In 2024, GPM reviewers continue to make outstanding contributions to the peer review process. They demonstrated professional effort and enthusiasm in their reviews and provided comments that genuinely help the authors to enhance their work.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding reviewers, with a brief interview of their thoughts and insights as a reviewer. Allow us to express our heartfelt gratitude for their tremendous effort and valuable contributions to the scientific process.

January, 2024
Richard Wojdat, Mathilden Hospital Herford, Germany

April, 2024
Francesco Fedele, San Raffaele Hospital, Italy

July, 2024
Tullio Golia D'Augè, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

August, 2024
Tanushree Rao, Liverpool Hospital, Australia

September, 2024
Alejandro Garcia-Segui, University General Hospital of Elche, Spain

November, 2024
Emmanouil M. Xydias, EmbryoClinic IVF, Greece

January, 2024

Richard Wojdat

Dr. Richard Wojdat is considered a figurehead in the field of gynecological surgery and is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in minimally invasive, hybrid and robotic procedures. He has more than two decades of practical experience and continues to push the boundaries of gynecological surgical techniques. His repertoire includes the skillful use of conventional and hybrid laparoscopic instruments as well as innovative approaches such as the integration of indocyanine green (ICG) for increased precision. Dr. Wojdat's expertise shines particularly in oncologically safe, radical vaginal and laparoscopic procedures, where he always places emphasis on safety and precision. His significant contributions extend to advances in endometriosis diagnosis and surgical therapy, such as groundbreaking anesthesia-free laser conization and the use of transvaginal radiofrequency technology in fibroid treatment, resulting in significantly improved patient outcomes. Currently, Dr. Wojdat is establishing a state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical center for women's health, further solidifying its leadership position in this field. He has been recognized as one of Germany's best doctors for six years in a row and continues to promote innovation in gynecological surgery. Learn more about him here.

Peer review plays a pivotal role in the scientific community by ensuring the integrity and quality of research, according to Dr. Wojdat. He thinks that it involves the evaluation of scholarly work by experts in the same field before it is published in academic journals or presented at conferences. Peer review helps to uphold standards of accuracy, validity, and reliability by subjecting research to rigorous scrutiny. Through this process, potential flaws or biases in the research methodology can be identified and addressed, contributing to the overall credibility of scientific findings. Furthermore, he points out that peer review encourages constructive feedback and facilitates the exchange of ideas among researchers. It helps to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the scientific community. Ultimately, peer review serves as a safeguard against the dissemination of misleading or flawed research, thereby upholding the integrity of scientific knowledge and advancing the collective pursuit of truth and understanding.

Dr. Wojdat thinks that, in peer review, complete objectivity is an illusion because we are humans and we judge emotionally, even if we want to avoid it. This is precisely why it is important to put oneself aside, but to place the work in the context of overall medical development. He adds, “How is the solution sought here and how do others solve it is one thing and what consequences does this have for the patient and the doctor are the most important questions that are waiting for an answer.”

“I chose to review in GPM because the company is known for publishing high-quality research and is committed to advancing the field of gynecologic surgery. The appreciative and practical approach of the editors is also a central factor for me. They value reviewers' contributions and work collaboratively to ensure that published research is not only sophisticated but also relevant and impactful in clinical practice. The editors' uncomplicated and goal-oriented approach is impressive,” says Dr. Wojdat.

(by Lareina Lim, Brad Li)

April, 2024

Francesco Fedele

Francesco Fedele is a Medical Resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy. Previously, he held the same position at Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan. He received his surgical training at Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata in Verona, Italy from 2022 to 2024. He graduated with honors from the 6-year International MD Program Degree in Medicine and Surgery at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University of Milan in 2019. His medical studies took him to prestigious institutions worldwide such as the Fetal Medicine Foundation in London, Yale University in New Haven, Churchill Hospital in Oxford and the Alexandra Hospital in Athens. Dr. Fedele has authored over 30 publications in leading journals and has presented his research at numerous international conferences. He serves on the editorial board of multiple peer-reviewed journals and has peer-reviewed more than 20 articles, showcasing his commitment to the advancement of medical knowledge. His research interests focus on adenomyosis, the diagnosis and management of Mullerian anomalies, cervical atresia, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, obstetrics, reproductive medicine as well as advanced laparoscopic and gynecological surgery. Learn more about him here.

Dr. Fedele reckons that an ideal peer reviewer combines both personal and professional attributes that help him to be more effective in assessing and refining scientific manuscripts. It is essential to have a modest, impartial attitude. He would expect a reviewer to possess the following traits among others. Expertise is an essential component of the peer-review process, which involves possessing comprehensive knowledge of all facets of the scientific process, ranging from manuscript writing to statistical analysis. In addition, the reviewer must maintain impartiality toward the manuscript's writers or organization. In addition, he indicates that open-mindedness without preconceptions or biases is vital in peer reviewing. Etiquette and patience are also of importance.

Peer review as it currently exists is not without its limitations, according to Dr. Fedele. A comprehensive, impartial, and equitable peer-review system is essential for its well-being. He thinks that one major problem is the small number of people who are qualified to perform peer review in relation to the large number of papers that require review. Manuscripts that do not meet the minimal standards of quality may be published after being reviewed by peer reviewers who lack expertise. This restriction might be addressed by hiring reviewers with extensive experience in the fields under review and by having websites that disclose papers that were withdrawn after publication as a result of flawed peer review. To him, the most popular kind of review is by far single-blind; however, this has significant drawbacks that need to be addressed because the reviewer's anonymity could lead to bias when evaluating papers that address matters that conflict with their personal interests. Promoting open publication of reviewer comments and double-blind peer reviews would be beneficial in resolving this issue. Additionally, because reviewing is frequently done by "volunteers" who take time out of their busy schedules to do it, the current process can be slow. Furthermore, there is no direct communication between authors and reviewers during the lengthy back-and-forth process of a manuscript under the current system.

Dr. Fedele indicates that the substantial rise in publications, which means that scientists are receiving an increasing number of requests for reviews, is another drawback of the current systems. The current system does not give much credit for reviewing, so this work is not very appealing. This frequently results in brief and meaningless reviews, which irritates the writers and eventually prompts them to publish in a different journal. Standardizing review forms, providing both objective and subjective feedback, and creating a review template that directs the reviewer through the process, promotes clear statements, and enables quick reviews are some of the things that can help improve the process. Keep in mind that reviewing is a labor-intensive process that merits respect. “I would like to encourage authors to take on the role of reviewer because it provides additional tools to help them improve their own publications and keeps them up to date with the latest literature,” adds he.

Clinical work in the hospital takes up most of his daily time, however despite his many professional duties, Dr. Fedele finds time to review scientific papers. “I have my own approach to reviews: the weekend is the most scientifically creative time. Usually, I read the article for the first time, write down my notes and then put it aside. Until I start writing the review, I had enough time to think about the content and to reflect on it,” says he.

(by Lareina Lim, Brad Li)

July, 2024

Tullio Golia D'Augè

Tullio Golia D'Augè is a resident in gynecology and obstetrics at the Sapienza University of Rome. His research focuses on gynecologic cancers, employing a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates clinical trials, translational research and biostatistical analysis. He participates in clinical trials evaluating novel therapeutic strategies for gynecologic malignancies, including surgical interventions, targeted therapies and immunotherapies. His research integrates knowledge of surgical techniques for gynecologic malignancies, allowing him to evaluate the impact of minimally invasive or robotic surgery on surgical outcomes and patient quality of life. This comprehensive approach allows him to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of gynecologic oncology research and improve clinical care for women with these malignancies. Learn more about him here.

Dr. Augè thinks that the current peer-review system faces several limitations, including favouritism, delays in the publication process, variable quality of reviews and lack of transparency. A few measures to improve it could be implemented, such as adopting open peer review, providing better training for reviewers, increasing transparency in the review process and recognizing the contributions of reviewers.

According to Dr. Augè, the heavy burden of being a scientist and doctor often makes time management challenging. To distribute time for peer review, it is crucial to prioritize responsibilities, delegate when possible and integrate peer review into regular professional activities, viewing it as an essential contribution to the scientific community.

From a reviewer’s perspective, Dr. Augè indicates that disclosing Conflict of Interest (COI) is essential to maintain transparency and integrity in research. A COI can significantly influence research outcomes, as it may introduce biases or affect the interpretation of data. Therefore, full disclosure is necessary to allow readers to assess the potential impact of any COI on the study’s conclusions.

(by Lareina Lim, Brad Li)

August, 2024

Tanushree Rao

Dr. Tanu Rao is a dedicated gynecologist based in Sydney, specializing in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques. With a strong focus on conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, and abnormal uterine bleeding, she is committed to providing high-quality patient care. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

In Dr. Rao’s opinion, peer review is crucial for maintaining the integrity of scientific literature. It ensures that published research is evaluated for its methodology, relevance, and validity by experts in the field. This process helps to identify errors, biases, and gaps in the research, fostering trust in the findings and enhancing the overall quality of scientific work.

However, Dr. Rao indicates that there are limitations of the existing peer-review system, including potential bias, lack of transparency, and slow turnaround times. To improve the system, more rigorous training needs to be implemented for reviewers, and at the same time, they should adopt open peer-review processes to increase transparency, and explore alternative models like post-publication peer review to encourage timely feedback.

According to Dr. Rao, an objective review is one that evaluates a manuscript based solely on its scientific merit, without personal bias or conflicts of interest. She ensures her reviews are objective by focusing on established criteria for evaluation, maintaining a critical yet fair approach, and being aware of her biases to minimize their impact on her assessment.

(by Lareina Lim, Brad Li)

September, 2024

Alejandro Garcia-Segui

Dr. Alejandro Garcia-Segui, MD, PhD, is Assistant of Urology at the University General Hospital of Elche (Spain) and Coordinator of the Advanced Prostate Cancer Unit at his center. He is an Associate Professor at the Miguel Hernández University (Spain) and promotes teaching activities for urology residents. He completed his medical studies and obtained specialization in Urology/ General Surgery at the Central University of Venezuela. His activity has focused on Advanced Laparoscopic Urology for more than two decades focused on oncological and pelvic floor surgeries. His recent research focuses on surgical assistance by 3D virtual/ printed models and intra-operative fluorescence.

In Dr. Garcia-Segui’s opinion, peer review represents a crucial element to optimize scientific publications. The review of a manuscript allows the publication to be enriched by the contribution of opinions, suggestions and changes from other expert specialists and also guarantees the rigor of scientific research.

Dr. Garcia-Segui expresses that peer reviewing is an honorable scientific activity and is highly motivating. Reviewers are given the opportunity to contribute and share their knowledge with the authors and in a way they are enabled to keep up to date with the latest scientific developments.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my words of gratitude and admiration to all the reviewers who participate in all the scientific medical journals, since their altruistic activities contribute to guaranteeing the perpetual growth of the medical sciences,” says Dr. Garcia-Segui.

(by Lareina Lim, Brad Li)

November, 2024

Emmanouil M. Xydias

Emmanouil M. Xydias, MD, MSc, is a Research fellow in EmbryoClinic IVF, Thessaloniki Greece and a prospective Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainee. He graduated from the University of Thessaly School of Medicine in Larissa Greece in 2022. Since then, he has completed a Master’s Degree in Lower Abdomen, Pelvic and Perineal Surgery and another Master’s Degree in Human Reproduction. His primary clinical and research interest is minimally invasive surgery in the context of fertility and Assisted Reproduction Technology. He has authored and co-authored several scientific papers in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and his work has been featured in multiple national and international conferences, and awarded twice. He ranks within the top 1% of most prolific peer reviewers with 150+ verified peer reviews for 24 Medical Journals to date, according to Web of Science data. Connect with him on LinkedIn.

GPM: What are the qualities a reviewer should possess?

Dr. Xydias: A peer reviewer plays one of the less prestigious, but most important roles in the research publication process. This position is one of responsibilities for the scientific soundness of the research at hand. Therefore, a peer reviewer needs to be thorough and meticulous, not hesitant to devote the time necessary to ensure the accuracy and validity of the article in question. Patience and perseverance are also powerful qualities for a peer reviewer, as at times, lengthy and time-consuming assessment is necessary to meaningfully assist the authors in improving their work; with the temptation of an easy but unjust rejection being ever-present throughout this arduous process. Furthermore, a peer reviewer needs to be studious and hard-working, being highly knowledgeable on the status quo in their area of expertise, in addition keeping up with all the latest research, breakthroughs and innovations. Lastly, a peer reviewer above all needs love and passion for his area of expertise. Peer reviewing, when done correctly, is a difficult and time-consuming process, almost always without any form of compensation. It is therefore the reviewer’s own love for research in their field and the advancement of medical knowledge that needs to constitute the vital motivation behind their dedication; thus, being an indispensable quality for any aspiring peer review.

GPM: Would you like to say a few words to encourage other reviewers who have been devoting themselves to advancing scientific progress behind the scene?

Emmanouil: All I can say to fellow reviewers in their respective fields is to keep up the good work. Peer reviewing may sometimes feel like a thankless job, given its mostly altruistic nature, but it is every bit as important as writing and publishing research, sometimes even more so. A thorough peer review can help significantly improve a lacking manuscript, detect major errors and flaws and even outright reject outdated or obsolete research, thus reducing the spread of misinformation, particularly amongst young and inexperienced scientists in the field. This devotion to advancing medical knowledge while adhering to high standards is invaluable in modern academia and should be a source of pride, even if it is not always appreciated. On a brighter note, I can also say that peer reviewing is a great opportunity for one to improve their own writing, as they learn from others’ mistakes and start viewing their own work under a more critical lens. Therefore, one should see peer reviewing not as a chore, but an opportunity to learn and improve as well. Your devotion will eventually transform to skill and aptitude for designing, performing and drafting high-quality research articles, in turn offering you the recognition you deserve. Just stay patient and never give up!

(by Lareina Lim, Brad Li)