Medical writing in the Middle East

Abstract

Medical researchers in Middle Eastern countries have been forced to confront the fact that scientific publication has become the cornerstone of knowledge dissemination and academic promotion. Regional initiatives, such as the foundation of the Eastern Mediterranean Association of Medical Editors and the AuthorAID project in the Eastern Mediterranean, have helped, but challenges remain. The Middle East has taken great steps forward in medical research and writing, but improved training and educational programmes are needed, and the concept, importance, and principles of scientific writing need to be incorporated earlier in existing educational programmes.

Keywords:

• Medical writing
• Scientific writing
• English
• Plagiarism
• Education

Oh, the misery of medical writing

Medical writers work and play with words, but even though we are confronted by kinds of names, rarely do we joke about an author. It is not really prudent. Having said this, I can't help share this reference with you, found one wintry Wednesday while looking for references…. With respect for the author concerned, allow yourself a little snigger, or a wee giggle…

Misery L. Depression and psoriasis. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2012;139(Suppl 2):S53–7. doi: 10.1016/S0151-9638(12)70111-4. French.

Amy Whereat

Speak the Speech Consulting, Paris, France

[email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Farhad Handjani

Farhad Handjani is Chairman and Associate Professor of Dermatology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. He is also the Founding Editor of the Middle East Journal of Cancer (MEJC), President-Elect of the Eastern Mediterranean Association of Medical Editors (EMAME), and Co-coordinator of the AuthorAID in the Eastern Mediterranean (AAEM) project.

Farrokh Habibzadeh

Farrokh Habibzadeh is the President of World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), Honorary Editor of The Lancet Middle East edition, Editorial Consultant for The Lancet, Editor and founder of The International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (IJOEM), and Director of Shiraz NIOC Health Organization Medical Education and Research Centre.