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Rowan Osteopathic Medicine Journal (ROMJ)

Author Guidelines

Contents

IRB Policy and Guidance Information for all Submitters

Rowan University Guidance on Human Subjects Research

Article Processing Charge

Rowan Osteopathic and Medicine Journal does not impose any fees on authors for submission or publication.

Style and Formatting Requirements

Style Guidelines

Rowan Osteopathic and Medicine Journal (ROMJ) requires the use of the American Medical Association (AMA) format. For information about how to use this style, please review the most current edition of the AMA Manual of Style available at: http://www.amamanualofstyle.com/.

Cover Letter Formatting Requirements

The cover letter should not exceed one page, single-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font and must include the following information:

  • Please explain how your article fits the mission and the scope of ROMJ.
  • Please state your Rowan SOM year and academic program at time of submission.
  • Please state which article type you are submitting under. A list of article types and explanations of each can be found below under the heading Guidelines for Each Article Type.
  • Please provide each author's contact information, including email and affiliation(s). Personal contact information collected by this publication will not be shared with or sold to any third parties.) However, authors may be contacted by journal staff to request future publications or participation as peer-reviewers.
  • Please include the contributions of each of the authors and their qualifications for authorship.
  • Please indicate who will serve as the corresponding author. This should be someone with a permanent email address, likely faculty or senior author.
  • Please provide a statement confirming that your paper has not been previously published and is not currently under consideration by another journal and that all authors have approved of and agreed to submit the manuscript to Rowan Osteopathic and Medicine Journal.

Manuscript Formatting Requirements

  • Include line numbers, 2.5cm margin on all edges, and 12-point Times New Roman font for readability.
  • For manuscript text, ROMJ accepts: .DOC (MS Word), .DOCX (MS Word), .TeX, .ODT (OpenDocument) and .RTF formats.

Tables, Figures, and Units of Measurement Requirements

  • Tables and Figures must be original (created by the author(s)). They must be detailed enough to stand on their own, without reference to the text. The information in any table/figure must match the information in the text. A statement that graphics are original and that the author(s) hold copyright must accompany the submission.
  • Tables and figures should be numbered consecutively, using Arabic numerals, according to their appearance in the paper.
  • Each table and figure should be placed on a separate page in the article file. Alternatively, figures, charts, tables, diagrams and/or photographs of 300 dpi or higher resolution may be submitted as '.jpg', '.png', or '.tiff' files (unzipped) as a separate file attached to the manuscript.
  • For clinical photographs, subject(s) identity should be appropriately masked; if this is not possible, a written consent from the concerned person must accompany the manuscript.
  • Type the legends on a separate page. Legends should include the figure number. Titles and explanations of the figures should appear in the legend (not on the figure). Enough information should be included to interpret the figure without reference to the text.
  • Illustrations (figures, tables, charts, and photographs) may be submitted in color for online publication.
  • Units of measurement should be given in metric units.

Drug Names

  • Generic, rather than trade, names of drugs should be used for all article types unless the context requires trade names (e.g., a comparison between generic and trade). When used, trade names should include the ® symbol.

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Guidelines for Each Article Type

Basic Science

Scope
  • Any basic science research that has clear clinical applications.
Length
  • The main text (excluding abstract, keywords, what is known and what is learned, references, tables, and figure legends) is typically no more than 3,000 words. There is a 50 reference limit and a five illustration (figures, tables or charts) limit.
  • The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
  • Online-only supplemental materials are accepted to add clarity to your manuscript. There is no limit to the amount of supplemental information that can be provided.
Contents
  • A brief and informative title not exceeding 150 characters.
  • Avoid including literature citations, figures and tables, or abbreviations.
  • Abstract must contain the following IMRaD sections:
    • Introduction: Should clearly state the hypothesis
    • Methods: Study design
    • Results: The outcome of the study
    • Discussion: The outcome in relation to the hypothesis and possible directions of future study
  • Please choose up to five keywords to associate with your manuscript. Keywords are typically standardized words which can be universally used in searches. Keywords can be found in the MESH headings browser. If it is not in the browser, the authors should look for other terms: https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/search
  • The main text should be organized using the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRaD) structure:
    • Introduction: Describe the general concept and framework that generated the origins of the study and hypothesis.
    • Methods: Discuss study design and include a section on data analysis and statistics.
    • Results: Provide answers to the main research questions of the study.
    • Discussion: Add clarification and analysis of results presented. Add limitations to the study. Provide analysis of results presented in the context of available literature.
  • Tables and figures should be numbered according to the order of their appearance in the paper and organized at the end of the main paper.

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Clinical Research

Scope
  • Qualitative and quantitative research approaches are equally welcome.
  • All study designs are welcome.
  • Topics include all reports of original clinical research that have the potential to change medical practice.

Please note: Case Reports and Case Series are separate article types.

Length
  • The main text (excluding abstract, keywords, what is known and what is learned, references, tables, and figure legends) is typically no more than 3,000 words. There is a 50-reference limit and a five illustration (figures, tables or charts) limit.
  • The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
  • Online-only supplemental materials are acceptable to add clarity to your manuscript. There is no limit to the amount of supplemental information that can be provided.
Contents
  • A brief and informative title not to exceed 150 characters.
  • Abstract: Avoid including literature citations, figures and tables, or abbreviations. It must contain the following IMRaD sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.
    • Introduction: Clearly state the hypothesis.
    • Methods: Population, inclusion/exclusion criteria and study design.
    • Results: The outcome of the study.
    • Discussion: The outcome in relation to the hypothesis and possible directions of future study.
  • Please choose up to five keywords to associate with your manuscript. Keywords are typically standardized words which can be universally used in searches. Keywords can be found in the MESH headings browser. If it is not in the browser, the authors should look for other terms: https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/search
  • These main texts should be organized using the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRaD) structure:
    • Introduction: Describe the general concept and framework that generated the origins of the study and hypothesis.
    • Methods: Discuss study design and, for clinical research, inclusion and exclusion criteria including the details of the sample population and sampling methodology. Include a section on data analysis and statistics.
    • Results: Provide answers to the main objectives of the study.
    • Discussion: Add clarification and analysis of results presented. Add limitations to the study. Provide analysis of results presented in the context of available literature.
  • Tables and figures should be numbered according to the order of their appearance in the paper and organized at the end of the main paper.

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Quality Improvement Studies

Scope
  • Manuscripts describing empirical evaluations on the development and testing of quality improvement interventions. In general, quality improvement projects are aimed at improving local systems of care (non-generalizable). If the intent is to promote 'betterment' of a process of care, clinical outcome, etc. then the project may be considered improvement.
Length
  • The main text (excluding abstract, keywords, what is known and what is learned, references, tables, and figure legends) is typically no more than 3,000 words. There is a 50 reference limit and a five illustration (figures, tables or charts) limit.
  • The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
  • Online-only supplemental materials are acceptable to add clarity to your manuscript. There is no limit to the amount of supplemental information that can be provided.
Contents
  • A brief and informative title not to exceed 150 characters.
  • Abstract: Avoid including literature citations, figures and tables, or abbreviations. Please follow the SQUIRE 2.0 structured abstract format.
  • Please choose up to five keywords to associate with your manuscript. Keywords are typically standardized words which can be universally used in searches. Keywords can be found in the MESH headings browser. If it is not in the browser, the authors should look for other terms: https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/search
  • Authors should consult the SQUIRE guidelines (Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) regarding the format and content for the main text. Authors should cite SQUIRE 2 in the Methods section.
  • Tables and figures should be numbered according to the order of their appearance in the paper and organized at the end of the main paper.

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Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

Scope
  • Systematic reviews must cover all of the primary healthcare research and literature for the research in question. They must use a variety of scholarly databases. Systematic reviews may also include meta-analysis. Typically, these studies consult and include a statistician as an author. Reviews submitted can be systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis.
Length
  • The main text (excluding abstract, keywords, what is known and what is learned, references, tables, and figure legends) is typically no more than 3,000 words. There is no reference limit and a five illustration (figures, tables or charts) limit.
  • The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
  • Online-only supplemental materials are acceptable to add clarity to your manuscript. There is no limit to the amount of supplemental information that can be provided.
Contents
  • A brief and informative title not to exceed 150 characters is required.
  • The abstract for Systematic Reviews should follow the guidelines set by the PRISMA structured abstract format.
  • Please choose up to five keywords to associate with your manuscript. Keywords are typically standardized words which can be universally used in searches. Keywords can be found in the MESH headings browser. If it is not in the browser, the authors should look for other terms: https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/search
  • The main text for Systematic Reviews should be organized using the PRISMA format for systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
  • Tables and figures should be numbered according to the order of their appearance in the paper and organized at the end of the main paper.

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Case Report

Scope
  • Case reports focus on a single patient and should fulfill one of the following three requirements:
    • Challenge an existing clinical or pathophysiologic paradigm.
    • Provide a starting point for novel hypothesis-testing clinical research.
    • Offer a clinical “lesson” that may allow colleagues to provide improved care.
  • Although strongly encouraged, patient consent is not required for case reports, unless identifying information is presented in the case, such as an unmasked photo. In the instance where identifiable information is presented, consent is required.
Length
  • The main text (excluding abstract, keywords, what is known and what is learned, references, tables, and figure legends) should not exceed 1500 words. There is a 25 reference and a five illustration (figures, tables or charts) limit.
  • The abstract should not exceed 250 words.
  • Online-only supplemental materials are accepted to add clarity to your manuscript. There is no limit to the amount of supplemental information that can be provided.
Contents
  • A brief and informative title not to exceed 150 characters.
  • Abstract: Unstructured paragraph that summarizes the patient described.
  • Please choose up to five keywords to associate with your manuscript. Keywords are typically standardized words which can be universally used in searches. Key words can be found in the MESH headings browser. If it is not in the browser, the authors should look for other terms: https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/search
  • Main text should be organized by CARE case report format.
  • Tables and figures should be numbered according to the order of their appearance in the paper and organized at the end of the main paper.

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Case Series

Scope
  • Case series should involve more than one patient and fulfill one of the following three requirements:
    • Challenge an existing clinical or pathophysiologic paradigm;
    • Provide a starting point for novel hypothesis-testing clinical research; or
    • Offer a clinical “lesson” that may allow colleagues to provide improved care.
  • Although strongly encouraged, patient consent is not required for case reports, unless identifying information is presented in the case, such as an unmasked photo. In the instance where identifiable information is presented, consent is required.
Length
  • The main text (excluding abstract, keywords, what is known and what is learned, references, tables, and figure legends) should not exceed 2,000 words. There is a 30 reference and a five illustration (figures, tables or charts) limit.
  • The abstract should not exceed 300 words.
  • Online-only supplemental materials are accepted to add clarity to your manuscript. There is no limit to the amount of supplemental information that can be provided.
Contents
  • A brief and informative title not to exceed 150 characters.
  • Abstract: Unstructured paragraph that summarizes the patient(s) described.
  • Please choose up to five keywords to associate with your manuscript. Keywords are typically standardized words which can be universally used in searches. Keywords can be found in the MESH headings browser. If it is not in the browser, the authors should look for other terms: https://meshb.nlm.nih.gov/search
  • Main text should be organized by CARE case report format.
  • Tables and figures should be numbered according to the order of their appearance in the paper and organized at the end of the main paper.

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Art and Science of Osteopathic Medicine

  • These submissions should begin with a brief clinical vignette followed by an up-to-date review of the pathogenesis of the condition.
  • The author(s) should make every effort to link the discussion to osteopathic principles, and the conclusion should be hypothesis generating to stimulate further work in the area.
  • Submission requirements include:
    • No more than 2500 words
    • An abstract of less than 200 words
    • Clinical vignette of less than 300 words
    • Pathogenesis of less than 2000 words
    • Conclusion of less than 200 words
    • 30 or fewer references
    • A maximum of two figures, if they add to the overall article submission

- Adapted from "Article Categories" by JAOA licensed under CC BY 4.0

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Empathy in Medicine

Articles in this section do not follow a unique format or guideline.

  • This section is a series of article submissions from medical students who have had a particularly extraordinary experience with a patient or patients and would like to express her/his pearls of wisdom or teaching moments learned from their interaction in an essay format.

- Adapted from "Article Categories" by JAOA licensed under CC BY 4.0

Artwork

  • All styles and mediums are welcome.
  • Topics must be relevant to medicine and healthcare to be accepted.
  • Artwork submissions will not undergo peer review. Decisions will be made by the Editorial Team.
  • One submission will be selected for representation on the cover page of the e-journal publication.

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- Except where otherwise noted, this document was adapted from "Author Guidelines" by Cooper Rowan Medical Journal, licensed under CC BY 4.0