Publishing and Presenting Clinical Research, Second Edition, by W.S. Browner (2006)

Page one of this book addresses the key question, “Who should use this book?”  The answer is anyone who is intimidated by the prospect of writing down ideas and results of his research.  This book is an excellent resource for research investigators including students, residents, and junior faculty who have received little or no formal training on how to present and publish research.

The book is well organized and full of practical tips that will also help investigators for whom English is a second or third language.

As a Consumer Reviewer for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, I feel this book should be required reading and the “manual of style” for all researchers!  It would be reassuring to know that every investigator writing research grants has read this book and learned from the hundreds of examples listed, and the dos and don’ts of data presentation.  It is a fact that a well-written publication, whether a grant for research funding, or a publication for a medical journal, is far more likely to be accepted for funding or publication than one that seems disorganized, lacks focus, or is unintelligible because it is so poorly written.

This book is easily read from cover to cover or it can be used as a handy reference guide. At the end of each chapter is a checklist of the key questions and points presented on each topic.  For example, the first question on the checklist at the end of the Methods Chapter is, “Could a reader reproduce your study on the basis of the details you provided?”  These clear and concise lists can be great prompts and help anyone writing a paper to keep on track.

I also see this book as a useful resource for BCC clients who are interested in reading medical research.  They will learn what it takes to put together a good scientific paper.  Advocates that attend conferences will also benefit from reading the chapter on posters that includes recommendations on layout and design, as well as getting the most from a poster session.  Near the end of the book is a helpful chapter on oral presentations that contains information applicable to anyone (not just scientists) giving a talk.  We have all sat through presentations that are dull and boring because the speaker has not been able to communicate information to the audience effectively.  Again, the tips and examples throughout the chapter, as well as the final checklist, will assist the reader in developing a talk that gives the audience something to remember about you and your presentation.