For Reviewers

Reviewers are essential in maintaining the quality, integrity, and scholarly impact of the Journal of Innovations in Internal Medicine (JIIM). The peer review process relies on their expertise and commitment to ensuring that only high-quality, original research is published. Below are the detailed responsibilities, guidelines, and benefits for reviewers of JIIM.

RS Global publisher strongly recommends that all reviewers adhere to the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers to uphold the highest ethical standards during the review process.

1. Responsibilities of Reviewers

1.1 Evaluating Manuscripts

  • Content Quality: Reviewers are responsible for assessing the overall quality and significance of the manuscript. This includes evaluating whether the research contributes new knowledge to the field of internal medicine, ensuring the methodology is sound, and verifying that the conclusions are supported by the data presented.
  • Originality: Manuscripts must present original findings. Reviewers should identify if any parts of the manuscript lack originality or have been previously published.
  • Clarity and Organization: The manuscript should be well-written and logically organized, with clear presentation of research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.
  • Ethical Standards: Reviewers must verify that ethical standards have been met, particularly in research involving human or animal subjects. Any concerns about unethical practices or plagiarism should be reported to the editors.

1.2 Providing Constructive Feedback

  • Detailed Comments: Reviewers are expected to provide thorough and constructive feedback to help authors improve their manuscripts. This includes suggestions on clarifying arguments, refining methodologies, or strengthening the discussion.
  • Tone and Professionalism: Feedback should be respectful and professional, even when recommending significant revisions or rejection. The goal is to guide authors in enhancing the quality of their work while maintaining a supportive tone.

1.3 Ensuring Confidentiality

  • Confidentiality of the Review Process: Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of the manuscripts and not share or discuss them outside the review process. Any unpublished information from the manuscript should not be used for personal research purposes.

2. Peer Review Guidelines

2.1 The Double-Blind Review Process

  • Anonymity: JIIM follows a double-blind review process where the identities of both the reviewers and authors remain anonymous to ensure impartiality. Reviewers should avoid revealing their identity in their comments.
  • Review Timeline: Reviewers are generally given two weeks to complete their review. If more time is needed, reviewers should notify the editorial office promptly.
  • Recommendation Categories:
    • Accept: The manuscript is ready for publication with no or very minor revisions.
    • Minor Revisions: Small changes are required, and the authors can address these in a short timeframe.
    • Major Revisions: Substantial changes are needed, and the revised manuscript should undergo further review.
    • Reject: The manuscript does not meet the quality or relevance standards for JIIM and should not be published.

2.2 Ethical Considerations for Reviewers

  • Following COPE Guidelines: Reviewers should follow the COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers to maintain objectivity, confidentiality, and transparency.
  • Conflict of Interest: Reviewers should disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might influence their ability to provide an unbiased review. If a conflict exists, they should recuse themselves.
  • Plagiarism and Research Misconduct: Any suspicion of plagiarism or unethical practices should be reported to the editor immediately to uphold the journal’s standards.

3. Reviewer Benefits

3.1 Free Publication Opportunity
Reviewers receive a full waiver of the Article Processing Charge (APC) for one article they submit to JIIM within a one-calendar-year period. This benefit allows reviewers to publish their research at no cost, sharing their work with a global audience.

3.2 Professional Development

  • Building Expertise: Reviewing manuscripts helps reviewers stay current with the latest research and methodologies in internal medicine, sharpening their critical analysis skills and enhancing their academic evaluation experience.
  • Networking Opportunities: Participating in the peer review process offers reviewers the chance to engage with leading researchers and may open doors for future collaborations or involvement in special issues of the journal.

3.3 Acknowledgment and Recognition

  • Annual Recognition: Reviewers’ contributions are acknowledged in the journal’s annual report and on the website, showcasing their role in maintaining the quality of JIIM.
  • Certificates of Contribution: Upon request, reviewers can receive a certificate recognizing their work, which can be included in their professional portfolio.

4. The Importance of Reviewers

Reviewers are essential to maintaining the quality and academic integrity of JIIM. Their expertise and constructive feedback shape the journal's content and ensure that only the most relevant, high-quality research is published. By participating in the peer review process, reviewers contribute to advancing medical knowledge and enhancing their own professional development as scholars and experts.