Office of Faculty Affairs

Clarity, Structure, and Reasoning in a Scientific Paper

Course Length

1 hour

Course Description

A clear and reasoned presentation of ideas is critical to the success of a scientific manuscript. This seminar examines the structures and positions of emphasis in the sentence, paragraph, and sections of the formal study to help authors authorize their claims. Includes a test of reasoning that authors can apply to the articles they read and the papers they write. Addresses:

• Common problems and how to avoid them.
• The structure of the formal study and other formats, including effective abstracts.
• Natural positions of emphasis in sentences and paragraphs.
• Resources for medical writers.
• Exercises: analysis of sample writing passages and abstracts.

The Writing and Publishing Process

Course Length

1 hour

Course Description

This session will address how authors can use a systematic approach to the writing process to improve the content and presentation of their ideas in a scientific manuscript. Includes suggestions about how to address the needs of the reviewers, editors and readers of a journal to improve your chances of publication. Examines:

• Brainstorming, journaling, mind-mapping, and other ways to foster creativity.
• Essential steps for preparing a journal article.
• Authorship, and writing with co-authors.
•  The revision and submission process.
• Principles of text design.

Other Common Formats in Medical Writing

Course Length

1 hour

Course Description

This session reviews templates and suggests how to write effective:

• Letters to the editor
• Review articles
• Case reports and case series
• Brief communications
• Editorials
• Book chapters

Patient Education Literature and Writing for the Lay Reader

Course Length

1 hour

Course Description

Putting together a page of information for your patients? Thinking of penning an article for your local newspaper? This course reviews the elements of journalistic writing that will gain the attention of and be effective with lay readers who come from a variety of backgrounds and education levels. Reviews the benefits of question-and-answer formats, cartoons, stories and examples, and arresting and engaging openings.

Writing a Peer Review and Providing Feedback to Colleagues

Course Length

1 hour

Course Description

One sure way to sharpen your skills as a writer is to serve as a peer reviewer. This course addresses ways to develop relationships with editors, to review articles effectively and efficiently, and to write peer reviews that advance the goals of both editors and authors. These skills will also allow participants to provide clear and helpful feedback to coauthors and colleagues.

Writing Grant Proposals

Course Length

1-3 hours

Course Description

This course reviews the principles of good grantwriting to produce clear, direct, and convincing proposals. Focuses on understanding the psychology of reviewers, how to engage readers and facilitate understanding, and how to manage the proposal writing process. Suggests proposal templates. Includes exercises to foster creative thinking and to examine particular elements of a proposal.

Provides specific direction on how to best organize and format NIH applications for reader accessibility and impact, including information on:

• Assessing a grantor's priorities and emphasizing the benefits of your project.
• Understanding the review process and facilitating reader accessibility.
• Taking advantage of the natural positions of emphasis in the sentence and paragraph.
• Using subheadings and numbering systems effectively.
• Designing and integrating clear and purposeful tables and figures.

Business Writing

Course Length

1 hour

Course Description

A course on writing memos, letters, reports, e-mails, proposals, business plans and other documents. Includes information on managing, writing tasks and on recognizing and correcting common problems in business writing, including wordiness, lack of clarity and organization, and inconsistency. Provides direction on writing engaging, reader-based prose. Discusses:

• How to incorporate lists and graphics in the text.
• The advantages and structure of executive summaries.
• How to use sidebars, callouts, color and choice of font and layout to maximum effect.

Powerful Posters

Course Length

1 hour

Course Description

This course demonstrates the most effective ways to format and present information in a poster. Stresses the options that authors have to emphasize the visual presentation of their information and ideas. Provides direction on developing headings, formatting text, choosing colors, and adjusting the overall layout so that it engages viewers.

The session also addresses the ways to facilitate discussion at the poster session itself and how to prepare and deliver a 1-minute overview of a study or program.

CVs, Cover Letters and Personal Statements

Course Length

1 hour

Course Description

A talk about how best to present your education, training and experience in curricula vitae, cover letters and personal statements. Participants will learn how to highlight important information and convey it in a memorable way.

Includes information on the best presentation and organization to use in written documents. Highlights effective strategies to tell the story of yourself, your accomplishments, and your aspirations in ways that will make readers want to take action.

Writing for Publication

Course Length

2-4 hours

Course Description

This session is dedicated to examining participants' drafts of their manuscripts for publication and suggesting ways to improve the clarity, writing style and structure of the drafts. The group will also apply a test of reasoning to the conclusions. Emphasis will also be given to what the authors did particularly well, in addition to working on areas that can be improved.

Editing

Course Length

1 hour

Course Description

This session will demonstrate, in real time, the work of an author's editor as he edits a variety of previously unseen documents submitted anonymously by the participants.