| What should I
write about?
If we told you what to write about, then it wouldn't be your
journal. Ask other people what they would like to read about. If
friends find your idea interesting, the editorial
committee will probably think so too. You can always contact
the editor to find out if your idea is original or want to
discuss it further.
How do
I get my article published?
The main comments the editorial committee make is
that articles should be original, have a clear message, and be
written in a clear style with simple language and short
sentences. Look at the style of articles we publish in the Asian
Student Medical Journal. The journal is divided into a number of
sections. When you send us an article please suggest which
section you think it should be published in.
These
guidelines are in accordance with the 'Uniform
Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals' a
document issued by the International Committee of Medical
Journal Editors. The complete document is published
Scope of the
Journal
The Asian Student Medical Journal
seeks to be the pre-eminent Medical Journal . It aims to publish
material of the highest quality reflecting world wide or
provocative issues and perspectives. The contents will be of
interest to learners and teachers and, potentially, have
significant impact on the quality of health care.
The journal
welcomes papers on any aspect of Medical research and
development.
We are keen to
encourage the submission of papers from authors whose first
language is not English, although it is recommended that before
submitting your manuscript to the journal you ask a colleague
familiar with written English to read it through. This will
greatly speed up the time taken to publish your paper.
When writing
your paper for the Asian Student Medical Journal remember
that the journal has an international readership. Readers will
want to know something about the setting in which your work was
conducted, why you did what you describe, and what the results
mean. If you can set your work in the wider context of the
international literature this will help readers understand how
your work might apply to their own situation.
Papers are
accepted in the following categories:
1. Original
Research
These papers report major research and studies relevant to Asian Student Medical Journal
and may be up to 4,000 words in length and include up to six
tables or figures. Reports of studies using either quantitative
or qualitative methods are welcomed. Papers will usually be
organised using the Summary, Introduction, Methods, Results, and
Discussion (SIMRAD) structure although the editorial team is
pleased to work with authors on more appropriate structures in
certain cases. The Summary should be structured in relation to
the organisation of the paper and not exceed 250 words. The
context of the research and the conceptual framework and choice
of methods used for analysis must be made clear in the text.
References should be limited to no more than 15 and use the
Vancouver style (see below).
2. Review
Articles
Are particularly welcomed and may be up to 5,000 words in length
and have fewer restrictions on the number of references. Authors
considering submitting articles within this section are
recommended to contact the editorial team during the preparation
of their paper to discuss the scope and structure of their
review.
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Special
requirements for reports of randomized controlled
trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses
Asian Student Medical Journal supports initiatives aimed
at improving the reporting of biomedical research.
Checklists have been developed for randomized controlled
trials (CONSORT),
systematic reviews (QUORUM);
and meta-analyses of observational studies (MOOSE).
Authors are requested to make use of these when drafting
their submission. For authors of systematic reviews, a
supplementary file, linked from the Methods section,
should reproduce all details concerning the search
strategy. For an example of how a search strategy should
be presented, see the Cochrane
Reviewers' Handbook.
Asian Student Medical Journal
also supports prospective registration and numbering of
randomized controlled trials. Authors submitting trials
(whether as protocols or reports of data) are encouraged
to apply for an International Standard Randomized
Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN), available from Current
Controlled Trials. An ISRCTN will be required before
publication of accepted trials protocols and reports,
and will be included in the title of the article.
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3. Discussion
Papers/Interesting Technologies
Papers in this section may be up to 3,500 words long and are
opportunities for authors to clarify concepts, critically
discuss ideas or trends, or develop theories of relevance to
Calicut Medical Journal. Particular attention should be given in
such papers to the implications of the ideas for the current or
future practice of teaching and learning.
4. Special
Features
Are papers that vary in style and structure and are usually
commissioned. They usually reflect a particular theme, for
example, evaluation of teaching, or international aspects
of Medicine .
5. Short
Reports
These shorter papers fall into two categories and should be no
longer than 1,000 words in length, have no more than one Table
or Figure and no more than five references.
{i}. Reports of
research in progress or recently completed that would not be
appropriate for the major Research Paper section, for example,
reports of papers presented at conferences or at scientific
meetings.
{ii}. Reports
of innovation. An appropriate structure for such Reports may be Setting/Context,
Aim(s), Learning Methods, Evidence for Effectiveness, Conclusion.
Authors may wish to discuss alternative structures with a member
of the editorial team.
{iii}.Case
Reports/Clinical photographs/Radiology images. This is the
section in which you can publish interesting cases, images etc
that you have come across in your practice. Each
photograph/image must be typical of the case and a short
description of the case should be added.
6. Editorials
The Editor usually commissions editorials but ideas or
suggestions are welcomed.
7. Conference
Reports
A feature of Asian Student Medical Journal is that reports
many of the conferences and meetings organised by Associations.
The Journal is pleased to consider reports of other meetings
that may be of interest to the readership. These will usually be
between 1,200 and 1,500 words in length and must be submitted
within six weeks of the date of the meeting or conference.
8. Letters/Opinion
Are usually 400-500 words and are subject to copyediting. All
authors should sign the letter. Preference will be given to
letters responding to points raised by articles published in the
Journal. Authors will not receive proofs.
Opinion
articles relevant to newer developments in relation to Internet
that would be of significance to medical profession is invited.
9. Book/Website
Reviews
These are usually commissioned by the editorial team and are
between 750-1,000 words long. However you are welcome to suggest
websites/books for inclusion. Website suggestions may be
communicated to vinodscaria@yahoo.co.in
while authors who would like to review their books must submit
it by mail[print/CD version] to
Dr Vinod
Scaria,
Perumcheril,33/4711,
Malaparamba,Calicut
673009,Kerala,
India.
Other sections
Pulse
It is space for Medical Students to share your experiences and
air your views. Articles can be on anything under the sun but
must be no more than 1000 words. Poems with a Medical touch are
also welcome.
Controversy
This section is a chance for people to set out their argument
for or against a topical or controversial subject. They are no
more than 800 words.
Personal
view
These should be about 850 words on a personal experience.
Literature review:
contains links to articles of importance published in
various Journals
Punchline: The Jokes and
cartoon section.
Netspeak: Describes good and interesting web
resources for medical Students.
Thoughts: contains
quotes that make us think.
Address for Submission of
Manuscript
All submissions need to be
made online to: vinodscaria@yahoo.co.in
PLEASE SEND AN E-MAIL TO
vinodscaria@eudoramail.com
IN CASE YOU
DO NOT GET A RECEIPT ON SUBMISSION OF YOUR MANUSCRIPT WITHIN A
WEEK.
More information on writing
can be had from the editor
e-mail: vinodscaria@yahoo.co.in
Phone: +91 984746 5452
Preparation of
Manuscripts
Papers should
be prepared according to the 'Uniform Requirements for
Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals'
Authors are
referred to Chambers Guide to Grammar and Usage (1996)
for advice on matters of style. We encourage the use of the
active voice, short sentences and clear headings and subheadings
in the text.
References
These should be
in the Vancouver style numbered sequentially in the text in
superscript. The reference list should be on separate sheets and
references should be listed numerically. It is the authors'
responsibility to ensure that all references are cited and all
reference numbers in the text appear in the correct order. The
first six authors should be listed (followed by et al if
there are others) and journal titles should not be abbreviated.
Information
from manuscripts not yet in press, papers reported at meetings,
or personal communications should be cited in the text, not as
formal references. Authors are responsible for the accuracy of
references and should consult the detailed guidance given in the
'Scaria.V Thomas
V. An electronic journal with a difference. Asian Student Medical Journal
1995; 29: 397-402.
Ringsven MK,
Bond D. Gerontology and leadership skills for nurses. 2nd
ed. Albany (NY): Delmar Publishers; 1996.
Norman IJ,
Redfern SJ, editors. Mental health care for elderly people.
New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1996.
Institute of
Medicine (US). Looking at the future of the Medicaid program.
Washington: The Institute; 1992.
Phillips SJ,
Whisnant JP. Hypertension and stroke. In: Laragh JH, Brenner BM,
editors. Hypertension: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and
management. 2nd ed. New York: Raven Press; 1995.
p. 465-78.
Kaplan SJ.
Post-hospital home health care: the elderly's access and
utilisation [dissertation]. St Louis (MO): Washington Univ.;
1995.
Figures and
Illustrations
Figures should
be used when information cannot be expressed as a Table and
should not duplicate information provided in the text. All
Figures must have a title. The images/animations/videos/sound
files should be provided with a link to the actual host.
The author should take the responsibility to host the file
elsewhere. In case you are not able to host it, a letter should
be send to the editor asking for permission to host it on our
server.
Tables
Each Table
should have a caption and give both numbers and percentages
where relevant.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
should be brief and must include reference to sources of
financial support. Author(s) should obtain permission to use
material subject to copyright if they reproduce material from
other sources and this should be acknowledged.
Peer Review
All papers
submitted to Asian Student Medical Journal are carefully
considered. The Editor is assisted by an editorial board.
External peer reviewers are assigned when the Editorial board
considers it necessary.
Proofs and
Offprints
Proofs will be
sent via e-mail as an HTML/Adobe Acrobat PDF file. The e-mail
server must be able to accept attachments up to 4 MB in size.
Acrobat Reader will be required in order to read this file. This
software can be downloaded (free of charge) from the following
Web site:
http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/main.html
This will
enable the file to be opened, read on screen, and printed out in
order for any corrections to be added. Further instructions will
be sent with the proof. Proofs will be posted if no e-mail
address is available; in your absence, please arrange for a
colleague to access your e-mail to retrieve the proofs.
Corrections
other than printer's errors may be charged to the author.
Offprints are not supplied as anyone is free to access and
print the articles from our website ; offprints are available on
payment of the necessary costs if they are ordered when the
proof is returned.
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