Academic publication can be a daunting task for
medical students. However, in academic medical centers and medical
schools, experienced help is usually available! In many settings,
presentations and publications are needed by medical
students applying for residencies, residents seeking fellowships, and
faculty seeking promotion and tenure. Where do medical students fit in?
In many instances, medical students (especially in their final year)
have time to read about interesting case presentations,
topics, participate in research projects, write a first draft abstract
or manuscript for review and editing by the resident(s) and faculty, and
finally submit the work for conference presentation or publication.
This describes an often iterative process that
may take several weeks in the writing phase until everyone is satisfied
with the final draft. After submission, the medical student keeps
coauthors informed during the review process and
organizes everyone if revisions are requested. In doing so, everyone on
the team benefits. Students become more acquainted with medical
research and become better writers. Resident and faculty are able to
help medical students by providing direction, editing,
and providing mentorship. Following positive team interactions through
this process, faculty become important professional references. When
posters, presentations, and publications appear with medical student,
resident, and faculty co-authors, everyone wins!