In 2026, many QIMS authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspective and insightful view as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2026)

Bum Joon Kim, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, South Korea

Outstanding Author

Bum Joon Kim

Dr. Bum Joon Kim, MD, PhD, is a vascular neurologist at the Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. His research focuses on acute ischemic stroke, stroke mechanisms, cerebral small vessel disease, intracranial atherosclerosis, cardioembolic stroke, hemodynamics and post-stroke outcomes. He has led and participated in multiple clinical and imaging-based studies addressing stroke recurrence, early neurological deterioration, blood pressure management after endovascular thrombectomy, atrial fibrillation detection after embolic stroke of undetermined source, and antithrombotic strategies in high-risk stroke populations. His recent work includes randomized and multicenter studies on acute antiplatelet therapy, atrial fibrillation monitoring, and long-term outcomes in rare and sporadic small vessel disease. He is also actively involved in academic societies, clinical education, and editorial activities in the field of cerebrovascular disease.

In Dr. Kim’s opinion, curiosity is the most fundamental skill set of an author. As a clinician, many research questions arise naturally from caring for patients in daily practice. In stroke medicine, treatment strategies differ according to the underlying mechanism, so he often asks why a stroke occurred and how he can better identify its cause. Imaging plays a particularly important role in revealing stroke mechanisms, and quantitative imaging analysis can provide more objective and reproducible insights. This clinical curiosity, combined with rigorous methodology, objective interpretation, and clear communication, is essential for producing meaningful scientific work.

To avoid bias in writing, Dr. Kim stresses that it is important to separate clinical hypotheses from evidence-based conclusions. In data interpretation, using automated analysis programs, independent ratings by multiple reviewers, and structured processes to resolve discrepancies can help improve objectivity. Quantitative analysis is also important because it provides more reproducible and less subjective evidence. Authors should avoid overstating their findings, acknowledge limitations, and present both positive and negative results transparently.

“I believe that knowledge that is not shared cannot truly come alive. Since childhood, I have been accustomed to discussing scientific ideas with my father, who is a scientist, and this has shaped my interest in sharing new knowledge and engaging in constructive discussion. Academic writing is one way to communicate clinical questions, research findings, and new perspectives with the broader community. I am motivated by the belief that sharing and debating knowledge can help us learn from one another and ultimately move the field forward,” says Dr. Kim.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)