Editorial Policy

Our Approach

Clinical made practical – We work to keep clinicians in the know and up to date so they can achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients while maintaining their passion for practicing medicine.

  • Informative and engaging ­– We surround hard news with perspective and context.

  • Easy to access and apply – We respect the demands on clinicians’ time and energy, and therefore, focus on clinical takeaways and practical applications while providing resources at no cost.

  • Humanizing – We recognize the clinician as a whole person and provide a place for them to share the highs and lows of medical practice.

  • Data-driven – We publish content that is sourced and based on example so that clinicians can make decisions confidently.

  • Inclusive & Connected – We uphold diversity and inclusion in our base of writers, advisors, and topics to ensure that clinicians find the support they need.

  • Growth-Minded – We engage clinicians in conversation, collaboration, and mentorship at all points in their professional development.

Our Standards

Articles featured on MedCentral are generated by medical professionals and medical writers. All editorial content must be:

  • Current: Presents up-to-date information, including the latest research, news, and recent developments in the field.

  • Objective: Presents a balanced view of an issue, when one or more alternative views exist. Authors’ financial disclosures and any potential conflicts of interest must be reported and are published in connection with relevant articles and/or author bio pages.

  • Original: All submitted manuscripts must be original material that has not been submitted to another publication. Any prior publication of the material, such as components of symposia, poster abstracts, proceedings, books or chapters, articles published by invitation or reports, should be indicated upon submission.

  • Relevant: Submissions must present clinically relevant information for the practitioner working to diagnose or treat medical or psychiatric conditions.

  • Scientifically Rigorous: All data and assertions presented must include primary sources as well as any relevant figures or tables.

  • Trustworthy: Core submissions such as case reports and novel methods are typically reviewed by one or more Editorial Advisory Board members and/or medical professionals for accuracy.

Article Submissions

Types of Articles Published by MedCentral

  • News & Guideline Updates: Aware of a pending clinical practice guideline, professional conference, or drug approval? Alert the editorial team and we may cover it.

  • Insights & Ideas: First-person commentaries on changes in the medical field, assessment and treatment models, medication management, policy, and business practice. 800 to 1500 words.

  • Guideline Analyses: Expert takes on guideline updates and what physicians and prescribers need to know. 800-1600 words.

  • Differential Diagnosis/Assessment Models: Retrospective and/or hypothetical clinical cases and practice guidelines may be used to guide clinicians through determining a diagnosis. 1600-2400 words.

  • Research-based Reviews: Novel insights and deep dives into specific medical or psychiatric disorders and treatment approaches (both pharmacological and/or behavioral). 1600-2400 words.

  • Peer Q&As: In these clinician-to-clinician interviews and conversations, experts share current thoughts on the field, raise questions, and discuss solutions. MedCentral can help authors outline and/or record a conversation. 1200-1800 words or podcast.

  • Skill Builders: How-to guides on professional clinical skills such as motivational interviewing. 800-1400 words. Editorial team can work with authors on creating a visual.

  • Literature Reviews: Reviews and expert commentary on recently published peer-reviewed articles and studies affecting medical practice. 600 to 1000 words.

  • Clinical Primers and Guides: Chapter-style overviews of a specific condition or practice model, including scripted provider-patient conversations where appropriate.

Submission Guidelines

  • Submissions to MedCentral may be emailed as Word Documents to the editorial team.

  • Submissions will be reviewed by the editorial staff and/or advisory board before being accepted for publication (within 2 to 4 weeks).

  • Submissions must include the authors' name, title/affiliation, email, and a brief bio for each author, including any relevant disclosures.

  • Citations must be reported in AMA style, with no more than 25 references per paper. References older than 10 years ago should be used minimally and only if no current research on the same subject exists.

  • Images, figures, and tables must be submitted with captions in high resolution as an EPS, TIFF, or JPEG. All graphics must be cited within the manuscript.

  • Authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of references as well as obtaining permission to reproduce any copyrighted materials, including repurposed or adpated images and figures. Copies of the correspondence granting permission should be included in the submission.

  • Authors submitting case reports, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, or original study data are responsible for meeting the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations and HIPAA privacy guidelines. When applicable, editors may request documentation of IRB approval or waiver.

  • Authors whose papers are accepted will be required to sign our standard copyright and disclosure forms before publication.