How to ''peer review'' a medical journal manuscript

BACKGROUND. The accuracy, validity, and appropriateness of what gets published in the medical literature depends upon a pool of competent peer referees. However, the requisite skills needed to become such a peer are not taught at the residency training program level or subsequently by the journals themselves, who offer no training and little written instruction. OBJECTIVE. To outline a logical, orderly approach to the task of reviewing a ''raw'' medical manuscript. By breaking the overall endeavor dozen into smaller, step-by-step components, the novice reviewer should attain the direction and skills to complete a review with confidence. METHODS. Explore the role of the reviewer, discuss the philosophy of review, identify the key elements to look for when reading and rereading the manuscript, and outline a orderly approach to the decision making process. CONCLUSIONS. A ''peer'' is a physician with expertise on the subject under scrutiny who spends sufficient time and thought to fulfill two main obligations: to render an honest, unbiased decision on whether or not the manuscript should be published and, if it is acceptable, to help make it better. It is possible to perform the review process in a relatively simple, organized, and logical manner. (C) 1997 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.