5 Tips for Publishing Your Residency Research

As the completion of your residency approaches, you may be wondering how to publish the research project that has been a large focus of your journey. This can be a daunting task, but you have already completed the hard part by conducting the research.

A great goal is to submit your research to a journal before completing your residency. Congratulations if you have already submitted your research or received a letter that your manuscript has been accepted for publication!

Here are 5 tips for publishing your residency research:

1. Set deadlines for yourself and research team members. It is important to set deadlines so that your research and manuscript get completed. Send out email reminders a few days before each of the deadlines to ensure that your co-authors submit their parts on time. Also, keep in mind that co-authors should only be listed on your manuscript if they have made a significant contribution to the writing of the research manuscript. Follow the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors recommendations for authorship which include all of the following 4 criteria: substantial contributions to the conception or design of the article or data analysis; drafting or revising the manuscript; final manuscript approval; accountability for the research.¹ Research contributors that do not meet these criteria but assisted with the research should be listed under acknowledgments.

2. Set aside 15 minutes a day for focused writing. Let’s face it, not everybody likes to write and some may dread it. Try to set aside 15 minutes a day for focused writing on your manuscript so that the task is not so overwhelming. What time of the day is best to write? The answer is anytime that works for you. I enjoy writing in the evening, sometimes while watching reruns of my favorite show, Friends. The morning may suite others best while having a cup of coffee or watching the news. Fifteen minutes a day can get you to your publication goal and one step closer to disseminating your research.

3. Select the right journal and follow the style guidelines. Take time to select the right peer-reviewed journal for your manuscript and follow the author style guidelines closely (Table). The reference style is also important, and journals will generally provide examples as a guide. Keep your abstract and manuscript within the recommended word count.

Table: Selecting a Pharmacy Journal for Publication

Journal

Research Focus

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy

Drug therapy and pharmacy practice research in hospitals and health systems

Journal of the American Pharmacists Association

Advances in drug use, patient care services, medication use, and health outcomes

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education

Pharmacy education

Pharmacotherapy

Drug interactions, pharmacokinetics, new drug development, pharmacogenomics, and personalized medicine

4. Have colleagues review your manuscript prior to submission. It is always a great idea to have an extra set of eyes review your article prior to submission. Reviewers can include your residency preceptor/director and fellow residents.

5. Do not worry if your manuscript is not accepted by the first journal you submit to. It can sometimes take a few journals to find the right fit for your research. Try not to take it personally, as this has happened to everyone. Use the peer reviewer recommendations to enhance your manuscript and submit it to a different pharmacy journal.

I wish you the best of luck publishing your residency research!

Reference:

• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Defining the role of authors and contributors. http://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/defining-the-role-of-authors-and-contributors.html. Accessed March 12, 2018.