Working on any publication can be daunting, especially when it comes to trying to understand what format will best fit the topic you are exploring. Hopefully the details presented on this page will be a good starting place for your journey in academic writing and publication!
If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to the Network Coordinator at rhsrn.bc@ubc.ca.
Commentaries
What exactly is a commentary?
Commentaries are written pieces that usually span 1,000 – 2,000 words and they’re best used when presenting a novel and/or unique idea! They can include some research data but also be standalone opinions, and depending on the journal that you submit to, these can or not be supported by referenced literature. Most journals will even have a limit on the number of references they allow in a commentary piece.
Example of a student-led commentary:
- Environmental Racism in Canada (Maya Venkataraman, 2022 – FLEX Student) (CFP)
Other examples of commentaries:
- Primary Care Needs More Access to Doctors, Not Less (BCMJ)
- A Manifesto for transformative action on HIV among Black communities in Canada (CJPH)
- The Joy and Grief of Knowing Your Patient (Annals of Family Medicine)
Where to publish commentaries
(Updated: May 2024)
Due to their flexible nature, commentaries often go by different names/types of publications based on the journal. While it can be challenging at first to narrow down where to submit your commentary, the first step is to consider whether a journal will accept a commentary format, and also see if the topic will fit in the journal’s scope.
Here are some starting places:
- BC Medical Journal – “Premise”, 2000 words max
- Annals of Family Medicine – “Essays/Reflections”, they suggest 800-1100 words for highest impact, but also accept in the range of 1500
- CFP – “Commentary”, 900-1500 words suggested
- CJPH – “Commentary”, 1500 words max
- Rural and Remote Health – “Commentary”, 2000 words max
- Journal of Rural Health – “Commentary”, 1500 words max
*This is not an exhaustive list, and students are encouraged to search other topic journals that they think would fit their content better!
Reviews
Details to come!
