Writing a research paper in medicine is a call to the world. It is a report of your interest, dedication, and voice in the large-scale discussion of medical science. If you are a medical student penning your first thesis or a doctor, trying to get your work out there, the task may seem daunting. But step by step, it becomes less so and more empowering.
The struggle for time, the issue of staying current, and the thrill of publishing relevant research that makes a difference.
Step 1: Pick out a Topic that speaks to you
Far out of which we present it as a routine. It is not. Picking a topic is the heart of your paper. In it, you determine the what and why of your write-up. What medical issue is at the root of your sleepless nights? What gaps in research in your field are brought to light by your interest? Your topic must be narrow enough for you to do it justice and large enough to include a wealth of relevant information. Here’s a simple rule: if you aren’t into the subject matter, it won’t get others either. Out of what piques your interest, find that out. That is where good research starts.
Step 2: Begin with preliminary research
Before jumping in, do the research first. This is the time to determine what has been done in the field. Read up on published reports, peruse through medical journals, and go over government databases, and use trusted sources. Don’t go in with an opinion formed beforehand; let the research guide you. You may find that the story you thought you wanted to tell is not the one that needs to be told. At present, read widely, not well, which may raise a new issue, and flag it. Great research paper, doesn’t come from set ideas; they grow out of curiosity, which develops.
Step 3: Create a Clear, Convincing Thesis Statement
Does inquiry about the results of putting students with ADHD in separate classes, which in turn improves their academic performance? If my research reports a certain answer to that, then that is my thesis. Also, my thesis puts out a deal to the reader: “This is what i will present to you, and this is why it is important”.
Step 4: Create a framework that ties it all in
Organization is what takes good ideas and turns them into success for a paper. Outlines your sections. What is the function of each part or section? What is your evidence, and where does it go? How does one idea transition into the next? Consider your outline the architect’s plan. You do not begin construction without it. Use it to structure the flow of your arguments and avoid gaps. A good outline is the transition from research chaos to writing order.
Step 5: Dive into in-depth research
Presently, the tough work begins. Once your topic is narrowed in and your outline is set out, go into it in depth. Read the full papers, look at the data, follow the citations, and analyse each resource with a critical eye. Do not put all your trust in Google, but use databases like PubMed, JSTOR, and Scopus. Do not be forgiving of low quality. Only peer-reviewed journals, authoritative authors, and very thorough studies will do. And here’s a pro tip: Do not go to only those who agree with what you think. Go to the ones that don’t; that is where you will improve your paper.
Step 6: Write the first draft with no concern for perfection
Time to set pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Begin with your thesis, and then fill out your introduction. Get into the body, letting your outline be your map. Don’t concern yourself with perfect wording and flawless grammar at this point. The first draft is for getting thoughts down. Get it messy. Let it breathe. Use headers for your sections, particularly if you’re dividing your presentation into differing findings or opinions. And as you proceed from one paragraph to the next, keep in mind: transitions are the glue. They guide your reader through your thought process, particularly in complicated medical dialogue.
When you arrive at the ending, loop back around to your thesis. Tell the reader again why your study is important. Reassert what you have discovered, and give them something to consider.
Step 7: Rewrite, edit, and perfect until it does the job
The output is a rewrite. Put your draft away for a few days, then go back to it as if for the first time. Begin by seeing what is clear and what is not. Does each paragraph put across what I wish to say? Is there a better way to say what I am saying? Are your sources correctly put in? Does the tone of your work run through as you want it to?
First, let us take a close look at that. Go over grammar issues, punctuation, and citation styles. See to it that your format meets your institution or journal’s requirements. Do a spell check also, which you do not do in isolation. Also very important is to get feedback. Out to a peer, mentor, or colleague to review it. They may bring to your attention what you missed. At times, a small change will make a large difference.
It’s Not Just a Paper. It’s Your Contribution
Composing a research paper in medicine is beyond a requirement. It is a contribution. It is you putting out, “Here is what I found. Here is what I think. And here is what I have to say to the world”. All great papers start with an idea, but what makes them is the discipline, care, and humility with which you bring it to life.
Do not be deterred by what may seem complex. Instead, grow into it. From choosing your topic to the very last edit of your final sentence, grow as a thinker, a writer, and a medical professional. Your voice has value in this field. Let your paper be a reflection of that.
Read more – How to Get Published in a Medical Journal as a Doctor
Source
https://cambridge-research.org/blogs/steps-to-write-a-great-research-paper/
