AUTHORS
This Medical Student Journal is an opportunity for students to connect with the greater UCC community, and showcase their work on a long-standing platform.
Through UCCsmj, students get an introduction to the publication process. Submissions are first peer reviewed by fellow students, then sent to faculty for final review.
Authors must submit their article in accordance with the template below (note that text is on a separate page from tables/figures) and a signed supervisor approval form (if applicable). Please email these documents to submissions.mrt@uccsocieties.ie
Submission to the UCC Student Medical Journal means that the same article cannot be subsequently re-published in a separate peer-reviewed journal. However, students may consider writing an article for UCCsmj based on a sub-set of their project data, containing different analyses or interpretations, which will prove substantively different from the final manuscript intended to be sent to a later journal. For all empirical research, students must also ensure that their project supervisor/principal investigator is aware and approves of their article submission to the UCCsmj.
I. Author Checklist
II.Preparing Your PaperÂ
III. Submission Requirements
Author Checklist
Read through Preparing Your Paper and Submission Requirements to ensure your piece fits our guidelines.
Email in your piece in accordance with our Submission Template (above). Note, separate pages for tables and figures.
Email in your Supervisor Approval Form (above).
PREPARING YOUR PAPER
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Structure
All papers should be compiled in the following order (except Ethical Discussions and Elective Experiences): title page; abstract; main text introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion; acknowledgments; declaration of interest statement; references; appendices (if needed); tables and figures with captions (on separate pages).
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We want to note that this journal accepts negative findings. However, all submissions must be well structured and thoughtfully analyzed despite whatever the findings may be.
Word Limits
Please review the Submission Requirements section for word limit regarding the specific category you are submitting to.
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Abstract
The abstract should be submitted in the following format, and not exceed more than 250 words:
Background
Methods
Results
Conclusion
Introduction
The introduction should provide a comprehensive background to the piece, building from relevant literature and explaining the research question to be addressed. Authors should avoid apparent opinions and quotation of literature.
Methods
The methods section should give a clear and documented design or strategy directed towards a specific research question. This section should describe and account for the study design, the criteria for selecting the sample and recruitment to the study, data collection, data analysis, and details of interventions if applicable. This section should also include details of approval from a named research ethics committee. Additionally, all CREC approval numbers should be submitted with the Supervisor Approval Form.
Results
The results section should hold all the information needed by the reader to evaluate the validity of the conclusions. This section should include a description of the sample included in the study along with its characteristics. For quantitative studies, include details of response rates and numbers lost to follow up. Analysis should be clear and systematic, with results of statistical tests reported with measures of central tendency (mean, median) and error estimates (e.g. SEM).
Discussion
The discussion section should be structured, with the recommendation to cover the following sections (using subheadings): Summary of main findings; strengths and limitations of the study; how and why it agrees with existing literature, in particular including any papers published since the study was designed and carried out; the implications for future research or clinical practice.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Note: Submissions 15% over word count will be rejected. Please ensure your piece meets all requirements before submission.
Original Student Research
Description: Original clinical, laboratory or other research conducted by students, including Final Year Projects.
Required Sections: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Materials & Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, Acknowledgements, References.
Word Count: 2500 (plus 250 word abstract).
References: Maximum 30.
Review Articles
Description: Formal reviews of the literature surrounding important and interesting medical topics.
Required Sections: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Body Text, Discussion, Conclusions, Acknowledgements, References.
Word Count: 2000 (plus 250 word abstract).
References: Maximum 30.
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Abstracts
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Description: A summary of the central points of your research project. It should address any implications of your findings to your relevant field.
Required Sections: Title, Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion, References (if required).
Word Count: 250
References: Maximum 5
Case Reports
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Description: Articles detailing a single interesting patient case and the case outcome.
Required Sections: Title, Abstract, Case Background, Case Details, Discussion, Conclusions, Acknowledgements, References.
Word Count: 1250 (plus 250 word abstract).
References: Maximum 15.
Please submit in paragraph format.
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Elective Experience
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Description: An opportunity to share your experience from medical related experience abroad. Could include an overseas research, medical elective or volunteering experience. (Surgeon Noonan, AMSI, WHO etc). May include discussion of cultural differences experienced, differences in medical practice, personal anecdotes and insights gained. Accompanying photographs are encouraged.
Required Section: Title, Body Text, Acknowledgements (if applicable), References (if required).
Word Count: 600
Recommended References: Not necessary.
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Ethical Discussions
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Description: Discuss the role of ethical principles in health care and their implications. Could further discuss ethical decision-making process from your past experiences.
Required Section: Title, Body Text, Acknowledgements (if applicable), References (if required).
Word Count: 1000
References: Maximum 15