Writing a strong scientific paper in medicine and the biomedical sciences: a checklist and recommendations for early career researchers

Biol Futur. 2021 Dec;72(4):395-407. doi: 10.1007/s42977-021-00095-z. Epub 2021 Jul 28.

Abstract

Scientific writing is an important skill in both academia and clinical practice. The skills for writing a strong scientific paper are necessary for researchers (comprising academic staff and health-care professionals). The process of a scientific research will be completed by reporting the obtained results in the form of a strong scholarly publication. Therefore, an insufficiency in scientific writing skills may lead to consequential rejections. This feature results in undesirable impact for their academic careers, promotions and credits. Although there are different types of papers, the original article is normally the outcome of experimental/epidemiological research. On the one hand, scientific writing is part of the curricula for many medical programs. On the other hand, not every physician may have adequate knowledge on formulating research results for publication adequately. Hence, the present review aimed to introduce the details of creating a strong original article for publication (especially for novice or early career researchers).

Keywords: Abstracting and indexing; Academic training; Clinical medicine; Medical publications; Peer review; Publications; Scientific research.

MeSH terms

  • Career Mobility
  • Humans
  • Research Design / standards*
  • Research Personnel / standards*
  • Research Personnel / trends
  • Writing / standards