Dr. Mathias’s experience with the program has yielded more knowledge about the entire research and publishing process.
“It is easy to find methodological shortcomings in a manuscript or ways that the scientific rigor of a project could have been improved,” she says. “However, it’s important to recognize that research rarely comes without limitations. This is where the saying ‘perfect is the enemy of good’ truly resonates. Through the process of manuscript review, you come to appreciate that [although] some aspects of methodology or presentation may not be flawless, the validity of the underlying science and the conclusions drawn are ultimately what matter most.”
Dr. Surmachevska
Dr. Surmachevska believes reviewing papers is a big responsibility. “It’s more of an active role than I had previously thought it would be. And I’ve been pleasantly surprised by some of the replies we’ve received from the authors who put so much effort into answering the reviewers’ questions and comments.”
Participants Encouraged
The Rheum With a (re) View participants with whom we spoke unanimously endorse the value of participating in the program. Dr. Ayla strongly recommends the peer review mentoring program for anyone interested in publishing.
“By reviewing manuscripts, you start to see everything with a critical eye, and it helps you with your own manuscripts,” he says.
Additionally, the program has illuminated the publishing process. It’s a “two-way street: if we expect others to dedicate their time and effort to reviewing our work, it’s only fair that we contribute to reviewing as well,” Dr. Ayla says.
Dr. Patil, who obtained his MBBS in Bangalore, India, says that, at first, he encountered some challenges with a steep learning curve as he reviewed his first paper. “But by the time I started the second paper, I was quite pleasantly surprised that I knew exactly what to look for, and what kind of parameters I had to keep in mind,” he says.
He voices a palpable enthusiasm for the program, saying “If you are like me and do not know where to start, the ACR has welcomed me with wide and open arms. All the people have been fantastic—especially Dr. Ferucci.”
Benefits of the Program
“The benefit of this program goes beyond just our journals. As you can see, we have international trainees,” Dr. Sawalha says.
Dr. Tsao
That diversity is a great strength of the program, according to Betty P. Tsao, PhD, professor of medicine and SmartState/Richard M. Silver Endowed Chair in Inflammation Research, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, who accepted the post as the new CJP chair in November 2024. She was an associate editor of Arthritis & Rheumatology for 10 years and encountered difficulties securing peer reviewers for papers submitted to the journal.
