How to write a medical research paper?
I. Preparation and Planning A. Choose a topic 1. Your interest is prime motivator 2. Timely, important and interesting to your target audience B. Conduct a literature search 1. Do not duplicate what is already published 2. Review published reports to determine whether or not data in those reports are valid, outdated, etc. C. Avoid compartmentalizing your research C making one project into many small papers; this can minimize the impact of your results. D. Form a research team (if needed) of compatible individuals and discuss authorship. II. Methodology C adherence to traditional scientific methodology is essential A. State the problem or purpose of the study clearly and concisely B. Formulate your hypothesis C give a tentative explanation for the facts to be tested. C. Design your study 1. Good planning is essential to strong design 2. Originality 3. Master terminology appropriate to your study design (e.g., incidence, prevalence, sensitivity, specificity) 4. Choose your optimal study
