Writing in the Health Sciences

Discussing how to overcome obstacles to publication, this text shows how to identify a suitable journal and how to plan, prepare and compile a paper or article that will satisfy its requirements. Particular attention is paid to the creative aspects of the process.

The adage that success in science, particularly within academic domains, is predicated upon "publish or perish" has never been more true than it is in the biomedical sciences in the 21st century. In this respect, the incredibly fast pace in which biomedical knowledge has increased underscores the importance of timely publication of new research findings. The Writing for Biomedical Publication Workbook specifically lays out, in a step-by-step fashion, how to think about and write each important section of a biomedical manuscript, as well as how to approach key associated issues such as co-authorship, editors, reviewers and conflict of interest.

In addition, the advent of the digital age has resulted in profound changes in the publication process itself that has been amplified through increased demands for public access to scientific knowledge generated from government-supported research These changes are reflected through the proliferation of a multitude of online biomedical journals, electronic access to traditional publications and almost immediate publication of research findings following acceptance by a journal. These changes require a significant shift in thinking about Journal selection, opportunities for plagiarism, strategies for literature searches and peer review. Each of these issues is comprehensively discussed in the Workbook.

Many of the topics addressed in the Workbook cannot be readily found in other volumes with similar focus; thus this Workbook can be expected to serve as an invaluable resource for all but the most experienced of biomedical scientists in improving their writing skills and efficiency in effectively communicating research results.