How to Get Published as a Medical Student

Publishing as a medical student is realistic, and a case report is often the best first paper. Here is a practical route from idea to submission.

1. Start with a case

An unusual presentation, a rare complication, a diagnostic lesson or an unexpected treatment response seen on rotation can make a good case report. Ask whether the case teaches something useful to other clinicians.

2. Find a supervising clinician

Work with the treating consultant or attending. They confirm the clinical facts, guide the discussion and usually join as an author. Agree authorship and order early.

Obtain written informed consent from the patient, or an appropriate representative, using your institution's or the journal's form. Remove identifying details from text and images.

4. Write to a structure

Follow the CARE reporting guideline. Our case report template sets out each section.

5. Search the literature

Find similar published cases and explain how yours adds to them. A short, focused discussion is better than a long review.

6. Choose a journal carefully

  • Check scope, fees and peer review before submitting.
  • Be wary of unsolicited emails promising fast publication.
  • Look for a DOI for every article and an honest indexing statement.

7. Set up an ORCID iD

An ORCID iD is a free, permanent identifier that links your publications to you throughout your career.

A free place to publish

ASIDE Case Reports welcomes case reports from students working with their clinical supervisors. There is no fee at any stage, and every article gets a Crossref DOI after double-anonymous peer review.

Submit your case report, free Why publish with ASIDE Case Reports →