Interlude: Introductions, Methods, and Time

Here's my latest curated round-up of the best tips, tools, and resources on scientific and medical writing.

💌 Round-up

💻 From My Desk

How to Structure the Introduction Section of Your Manuscript
The Introduction helps to orient your reader to your study. By following a standard structure, you can "funnel" your reader to the specific question you address in the manuscript. Learn more about this structure and download the free checklist to ensure you include all the essential information.

Word Choice: Methodology vs Methods
Many authors think that methodology is a synonym for methods. But these words have distinct meanings. Learn which term to use when describing your general approach or specific methods.

👓 Reading

The effect of peer review on the improvement of rejected manuscripts
From the article: "...authors often disregard advice from peer reviewers after rejection. Authors may regard the peer review process as particular to a journal rather than a process to optimize dissemination of useful, accurate knowledge in any media. Specialty journals might consider collaborating by using a single manuscript submission site that allows peer reviews to be transferred to the next journal, which helps [with] holding authors accountable for making the suggested changes."

Authorship inequality: a bibliometric study of the concentration of authorship among a diminishing number of individuals in high-impact medical journals, 2008–2019
This study looked at author inflation—the increased size of the author list—and practices around granting authorship on peer-reviewed articles in medical journals. The study proposed that honorary authorship is a growing (and unethical) practice that authors may use to help with promotions and allocation of research funding. To know whether granting authorship is appropriate, learn more about the ICMJE guidelines for authorship.

Change as the Only Constant: How Will the Role of Medical Communication Professionals Evolve by 2025?
This article dives into five areas that may change in medical communication over the next 5 years: multichannel communications, broader audiences, open access, digital expertise, and conferences. Learn what skills you might need to be successful in 2025 through five informative infographics.

🎧 Listening

Ten Percent Happier - A New Way to Think About Your Time
In this interview, Ashley Whillans, author of Time Smart, talks about shifting from "time poverty" to "time affluence." She shares how to do a time audit; funding time, finding time, and reframing time; and the value of canceled meetings. Personally, I found the time audit and the idea of reframing time really helpful.
iTunes | Spotify | Website

🧰 Tools

BioRender
I was recently introduced to this software, which can help you create quality schematics for your manuscripts, grants, presentations, and more. Try the free version (with a few tips from us) to see whether this program will work for you.

💬 Quote

“Sit down to write what you have thought, and not to think about what you shall write.” - William Cobbett
 

💭 Thoughts

Put your cell phone in another room when you need to focus on a task. The mere presence of your phone—even turned off—can negatively impact your self-control and cognitive processes.

Thank you so much for reading.

Warmly,

Crystal