Medical and Scientific Publishing

Author, Editor, and Reviewer Perspectives

Jasna Markovac, Molly Kleinman, Michael Englesbe

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN:
  9780128099698
• eBook ISBN:
  9780128099704
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Clinical Medicine

Very few doctors and scientists receive any sort of systematic training in publishing, editing, and reviewing scholarly articles, despite the central importance of that work for scientific research and for their careers. Medical and Scientific Publishing will help fill the gap and help readers to:Understand processes of scientific and medical publishingUnderstand the role of an academic in medical publishingBecome a better scientific communicatorDevelop skills to effectively serve as the editor of a medical journal Medical and Scientific Publishing is based on a successful course at the University of Michigan Medical School for third and fourth year medical students. The course teaches students not just how to write scientific and medical articles, but addresses key issues surrounding copyright, ethics, open access and much more. Students will build a strong foundation on how to do peer review and how to be authors and editors which are important skills in building a professional career. - Covers a full range of essential information – explanation of publishing licenses, copyright and permissions, how to do peer review, how to write effectively, how journal publishing works, and much more - Emphasizes rigor, quality, and scientific integrity in writing, editing, and publishing - Focuses on authorship and editorial skills by experienced authors and publishers

Chapter 1

Teaching Publishing in Medical Education—An Overview

Michael Englesbe, MD^1,3, and Jasna Markovac, PhD^{2 1}Section of Transplantation Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States ²Health Information Technology and Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States ³University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Abstract

As a recognized leader in medical education and biomedical research, the University of Michigan Medical School is committed to preparing academic physicians and scientists for leadership roles at the bedside, at the bench, and in health care as a whole. While there are many programs that encourage students to conduct research, there have been very few, if any, established programs that train students to effectively evaluate and communicate the results of their research. As part of the newly integrated medical school curriculum, the principles of open science and open dissemination of scholarly content are taught in courses as well as through practical experience. Students are afforded opportunities to work on publishing projects, including journals, books, and content applications. With strong faculty and staff support, active and committed publishing partners, and an essential role within the new Medical School curriculum, the importance of teaching publishing will continue to grow, preparing students for the publishing responsibilities that come with a professional academic career.

Keywords

Medical education; Open science; Partnerships; Publishing

Introduction

Academic institutions agree on the importance of encouraging the principles of open science and open scholarly communication throughout the research life cycle. Yet, while many stakeholders have recognized the need, the best route toward achieving transparency remains unclear. The University of Michigan Medical School believes that the most sustainable approach for creating an open science culture is to endow that ethos within our students. Incorporating ethical research conduct, open science principles, and effective communication techniques in early research experiences will prompt and encourage students to both demand and embody openness throughout their careers as clinician scientists. With the support of key stakeholders, including administrators, principal investigators, and Library partners, we have begun to incorporate the necessary tools and services into our curriculum.

Motivation

Medical education lacks established curricula in which students can engage with the dissemination of their work to their peers, the broader scientific community, and the lay audience. Traditionally, any discussion of communication practices is predicated on having results deemed worthy of dissemination. Medical students, who are often exposed to concentrated and not longitudinal research experience, have few opportunities to engage in the world of publishing and can become easily discouraged with the process. We believe that there are essential skills to be learned, independent of the success of the project or the quality of the mentor. To ensure that all medical students have these foundational skills, they must have structured opportunities. Under the banner of professional development, we are working toward the development of a student-led and faculty-driven research community that allows for the sharing, criticism, and publication of data with the establishment of large-scale program for open scholarly communications. We are actively working toward this vision through the growth and refinement of our medical school curriculum and specific student-led curricular initiatives [1].

University of Michigan Medical School Curriculum

In 2015 we launched a course designed to teach medical students about medical publishing, Medical Writing and Editing, and a new journal, the Michigan Journal of Medicine (MJM) [2] (Fig. 1.1). MJM, now in its third year, includes a team of student editors and reviewers and serves as a practical lab component for the course. As students are responsible for the production of the journal, from initial article review to final publishing decisions, involvement with the journal provides several leadership and educational opportunities. In addition to providing students the chance to practice structured scientific criticism, the journal serves as an outlet for student research that is open to the public, transparent, and free from publication bias. Student editorial team operates under the guidance of faculty and staff at the University of Michigan Medical School and the University Library.

The course has expanded into Academic Communications and now includes the Michigan Medical Student Communication Collaborative (CC) [3]. The CC began as a student-run class, founded with the goal of promoting clear communication skills and providing forums for students to practice public speaking. The medical students are responsible for organizing a speaker series, “Medical Student Grand Rounds,” [4] (Fig. 1.2) and coaching speakers for the delivery of refined oral presentations. Coaching involves an initial brainstorming session, slide deck critique, and in-person presentation practice. Final presentations are recorded and available for viewing by the medical community. In addition the material presented by the students can be developed into manuscript submissions to MJM.

Figure 1.1 Michigan Journal of Medicine, front cover, first issue, published in May, 2016.

These initiatives provide rare educational opportunities for studen...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Dedication
• List of Contributors
• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Chapter 1. Teaching Publishing in Medical Education—An Overview
• Part I. Publishing and Editing
• Part II. Writing
• Part III. Legal and Ethical Issues
• Part IV. Expanding Access and Increasing Impact
• Part V. Case Study: Michigan Journal of Medicine
• Index