Heinemann MK. How NOT to Write a Medical Paper: A Practical Guide. Thieme; 2016; 104 pp; $10.99

Here’s a switch—how not to do something. This short (104 page, small, softcover publication) is authored by Dr. Heinemann, the Editor-in-Chief of the journal The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon. The various types of medical papers are mentioned, including full-length scientific papers, case reports, meta-analyses, review papers, “how I do it” papers, and letters. The material quotes what are termed (and probably invented) “bad examples” as they pertain to authors. In other words, these examples illustrate how each section of the paper should and should not be written. “Bad” examples of editors’ comments and reviewers’ comments are part of the publication. To this reviewer, the biggest impediment to writing a paper is simply breaking the inertia of inaction. In other words, it is often tough to start getting something on paper. A wise neurologist once told me to start by writing the legends for the images first, because if you can’t get those descriptions down solid, then the rest will be difficult.

In any event, this booklet would be good to circulate around the housestaff (residents and fellows). Short hints may save a lot of time.