1. SUBMISSION  
2. AIMS AND SCOPE
3. PAPER TYPES
4. MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION
5. EDITING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
6. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
7. RELEASE PROCESS AFTER ACCEPTANCE
8. COPYRIGHT FORM
9. MANUSCRIPT TEMPLATE FOR AUTHORS

1  SUBMISSION 

Authors should note that submitting a paper implies that its content has not been previously published or submitted elsewhere for publication. Presenting abstracts at scientific conferences does not count as publication. Once the manuscript is prepared in accordance with the author's guidelines, it should be submitted online to the journal using the following address: https://zums.ac.ir//edujournal. For assistance with paper submission, please contact us at edujournalzums.ac.ir. Registration   -    Submit     

Data Protection Policy

The Journal of Medical Education Development is committed to safeguarding the personal information of authors, reviewers, and all individuals associated with the journal. We strive to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to ensure the privacy and security of individuals' information. Rest assured that the information of authors and reviewers is never used for advertising or marketing purposes. Our utmost priority is maintaining data privacy and protecting the security of individuals' information. For more information Click here.

2  AIMS AND SCOPE

The Journal of Medical Education Development supports researchers in the theoretical education of medical and paramedical sciences. The journal welcomes original research papers from physicians, nurses, health professionals, and faculty members of medical universities. It serves as a valuable resource for promoting medical education. The journal's target audience includes researchers and individuals involved in medical science education. 
 

3  PAPER TYPES

Original Papers
Original papers present the findings of original research conducted in theoretical and clinical education across various disciplines of medical sciences, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, health, nutrition, rehabilitation, and more. If a paper focuses on instrument development or validation, it can only be published if a full copy of the instrument is provided. Accepted tools will be published as attachments online. The word limit for this type of paper is 4500 words, including the abstract and references. A maximum of six tables can be submitted. Structured abstracts are required for original papers. For more detailed information, please refer to section four.
Reviews
Review papers serve to summarize, analyze, and evaluate published material on significant topics while also developing new theories, syntheses, or ideas. The word limit for this type of paper is 3,500 words, including the abstract and references. Up to six tables can be submitted. Structured abstracts are mandatory for this type of study. For more specific information, please consult section four.
Systematic Reviews
Systematic reviews aim to analyze and interpret all available evidence in the literature pertaining to a specific and focused research question. They possess the following characteristics:
- Reproducibility and research question: These reviews employ a distinct, reproducible research method that requires a testable hypothesis or a focused research question.
- Search and selection process: The literature search conducted is systematic and comprehensive, ensuring that articles are selected for inclusion based on pre-established criteria.
- Analysis: Data from the reviewed articles are systematically abstracted and compiled into evidence tables.
- Interpretation: The data are interpreted within the context of all relevant studies. (Meta-analyses, on the other hand, analyze data across studies identified in systematic reviews.)
Narrative Reviews
Narrative reviews aim to describe the existing literature on a particular topic without providing a systematic analysis of the quality of that literature. They possess the following characteristics:
- Reproducibility and research question: Narrative reviews are neither systematic nor reproducible in their approach to research questions.
- Search and selection process: The selection of articles in narrative reviews is typically based on the judgment of an "expert" who determines which articles are deemed most important.
- Analysis: In narrative reviews, an "expert" reaches conclusions based on the selected articles and their own experience.
- Interpretation: An "expert" summarizes their understanding of the issues in a review article, offering their own perspective on the topic.
Scoping Reviews
Scoping reviews are conducted to address broader and exploratory research questions, aiming to map the existing literature on a particular topic. They possess the following characteristics:
- Reproducibility and research question: Scoping reviews typically focus on broad and exploratory research questions.
- Search and selection process: The search process in scoping reviews is systematic and described in detail, with flexible inclusion and exclusion criteria.
- Analysis: Studies included in scoping reviews are not systematically appraised, or if appraisal is performed, it is done informally.
- Interpretation: Synthesis in scoping reviews is generally based on qualitative characteristics, and there is no quantitative analysis involved.
Program Evaluations
Program evaluations can be submitted in different formats such as Articles, Research Reports, or Innovation Reports. When presenting a program evaluation, it is appropriate to format it as an article under the following circumstances:
- The primary purpose of the evaluation is descriptive or conceptual in nature.
- The evaluation is not the main focus of the article but rather serves as a component of it.
- The evaluation pertains to a mature program that has been in existence for a significant period.
- The manuscript includes comprehensive background information and provides contextual details.
- The discussion section of the article explores the broader application of the evaluation findings and discusses potential improvements through future work.
Short Communications
• Should be written with the following elements in the next order: title page; abstract; keywords; main text introduction, materials, and methods, results, discussion; acknowledgments; declaration of interest statement; references; appendices (as appropriate); table(s) with caption(s) (on individual pages); figures; figure captions (as a list)
•  Should be no more than 1700 words.
Invited Commentaries
Invited Commentaries are specifically requested by the editor-in-chief. Authors should not submit an Invited Commentary without first receiving a formal invitation from the editor-in-chief. These opinion essays serve to comment on or provide context for articles that have already been accepted for publication. Alternatively, they can be standalone essays that address significant challenges and call for action.
Here are some key guidelines for Invited Commentaries:
- The abstract for an Invited Commentary does not include headings and should not exceed 300 words.
- Invited Commentaries generally have minimal references and heavily rely on the author's perspective and experience to support their arguments.
- The total word count for Invited Commentaries, including only the text (excluding title page, abstract, references, and exhibits), should be less than 2,000 words.
- Exhibits, if included, are typically minimal in number.
Brief Reports
Brief reports typically encompass preliminary studies, descriptions of unexpected observations, or specific protocols in medical education. These reports are concise in nature and share structural similarities with original studies. The maximum word count for this type of study is 2500 words.
Letter to Editor
Letters to the editor serve as short communications that aim to stimulate scientific and academic discussions. While papers in each journal undergo thorough review processes, there may be instances where certain issues are overlooked. In such cases, readers can provide their comments and feedback by writing a letter to the editor, which serves as a form of quality control mechanism.
One crucial characteristic of a letter to the editor is its brevity. The maximum word count for a letter to the editor is typically 1000 words. Unlike formal papers or articles, letters to the editor do not follow a specific format or structure. However, it is advisable to adhere to any guidelines or instructions provided by the journal regarding the preparation and submission of letters to the editor.

4  MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION

Cover letter

Preparing and submitting cover letters is not mandatory, but authors have the option to include a cover letter if they wish. The decision to submit a cover letter is at the discretion of the authors.

Components of manuscripts

Manuscripts should be submitted in several separate files,s including a title page and main text. The Journal of Medical Education Development prefers to receive manuscripts in Persian from Iranian authors. If the article is accepted, the authors will be responsible for the costs of translating the article from Persian into English.

Title page

The title page of a manuscript should include the following information:
I. Manuscript Title: The title should be clear and concise, reflecting the study's approach, methodology, design, and key variables. Avoid using abbreviations in the title.
II. Shortened Title or Running Title: A shortened title, with fewer than 40 characters, can be provided as a concise alternative to the full title.
III. Authors' Information: Include the full names of all authors, their mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and ORCID IDs. The responsible author or corresponding author should be clearly indicated.
IV. Organizational/Institutional Affiliation: Provide the institutional affiliations of all authors, indicating their respective organizations.
V. Co-Authors' Specifications: Specify the contributions made by each co-author in the research or manuscript preparation.
VI. Contributions: Briefly describe the contributions of each author to the study or manuscript.
VII. Acknowledgments: Acknowledge any individuals or organizations that contributed to the research or manuscript but do not meet the criteria for authorship.
VIII. Conflict of Interest Statement: Declare any potential conflicts of interest that may exist for all authors.
IX. Supporting Resources: Mention any grants, equipment, or other resources that supported the research or manuscript.
By including this information on the title page, readers and reviewers can easily understand the study's context and the contributions of the authors.
Contribution/Authorship

Authors are expected to make a significant contribution in the following aspects:
1. Study Idea or Design, Data Collection, Data Analysis, and Interpretation: Authors should have substantial involvement in the conception and design of the study, collection and analysis of data, and interpretation of the results.
2. Manuscript Preparation, Review, and Editing: Authors should contribute to the preparation and writing of the manuscript, ensuring its accuracy and scientific quality. They should also critically review the manuscript before submission and carefully address any feedback or revisions requested by reviewers.
3. Final Approval: Authors should provide their final approval of the manuscript before it is submitted to the journal, indicating their agreement with the content and readiness for publication.
To indicate the individual contributions of the authors, it is common to use the first letters of their last names on the title page. This allows readers to understand each author's specific role in the study. However, individuals who have participated in the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship should only be mentioned in the acknowledgment section.
Acknowledgment
In the acknowledgment section, it is appropriate to mention the contributions of individuals who have participated in the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship, with their permission. This can include individuals who provided technical assistance, data collection support, or other valuable contributions to the study.
Additionally, it is important to acknowledge the sources of financial and material support that have contributed to the research. This can include grants, funding agencies, or institutions that provided resources for the study.
Furthermore, expressing appreciation for the organizations or institutions that helped or supported the study is also appropriate in the acknowledgment section. This can include academic institutions, research centers, or other entities that have provided support, facilities, or access to data.
By including these acknowledgments, authors demonstrate gratitude to those who have contributed to the research and recognize the important support received from various sources.
Statement of Conflict of Interest
Authors are required to declare any potential conflicts of interest in their manuscript. A conflict of interest arises when authors have financial, personal, or professional relationships that could potentially bias their work or influence the interpretation of the results.
The corresponding author holds the responsibility of ensuring that all authors have reviewed and agreed upon the final submission of the manuscript. This includes verifying that the conflict of interest statement accurately reflects the authors' potential conflicts, or the absence thereof.
For more detailed guidelines and information regarding the handling of conflicts of interest, it is recommended to refer to the specific Conflict of Interest section provided by the journal or publication guidelines.
Main Text of The Manuscript
I. Manuscripts undergo peer review, so it is crucial that the main text does not contain any information that could identify the authors. This ensures a blind review process.
II. The main text should be organized and presented in the following order:
III. Manuscript Title, Abstract, and Keywords: Begin with a clear and informative title, followed by an abstract that summarizes the main points of the study. Include relevant keywords that help index and categorize the manuscript.
IV. Main Text: The main body of the manuscript should include sections such as Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. The content should be well-structured, logical, and supported by appropriate evidence.
V. References: Include a list of references cited in the manuscript. Follow the preferred citation style specified by the journal.
VI. Tables: If the manuscript includes tables, each table should be numbered and accompanied by a title and a caption that provides additional details or explanations.
VII. Figure Title: If the manuscript contains figures (e.g., graphs, charts, images), provide a title for each figure.
VIII. Appendices: Appendices, if necessary, should be included after the main text and before any supplementary material. These may include additional details, supplementary data, or extended tables.
IX. Supplementary Material: If there are supplementary materials associated with the manuscript, they should be submitted as separate files. This can include additional figures, datasets, or any other supporting information.
Following this order and structure helps ensure clarity and ease of reading for reviewers and readers.
Abstract
All manuscripts must contain an abstract limited to 300 words. The abstract should be structured and consist of the following sections: background and objective, methods, results, and conclusion. At the end of the abstract, 3-5 keywords should be included, extracted using the MESH guide exclusively, which can be found at www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh.
Main text
The following components should be included in original papers, reviews, and short communications: introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. These sections provide a comprehensive framework for presenting research findings, analysis, and interpretation.
Introduction
This section should explain the significance of the study. The main concepts and terms used should be defined. The introduction should include a theoretical or conceptual framework. A comprehensive and relevant literature review should be provided, highlighting the existing knowledge on the subject. The introduction should also address the current research gaps. The objective of the study should be clearly stated at the end of the introduction, and it is important to maintain consistency and avoid making formal or content changes to the aim of the study throughout the manuscript.
Material & Methods
The methodology should be structured based on the following items: Design and setting(s), Participants and sampling (including the size and nature of the sample), Tools/Instruments, Data collection methods and  Data analysis, and relevant explanations should be provided for each part. The explanation should be such that it is possible if another researcher wants to repeat it.
Results
This section should present the methodology in a textual format, supplemented by tables, figures, and diagrams. It is not necessary to provide the full content of the tables in the text; referring to them by their assigned numbers (e.g., Table 1, Figure 2, Diagram 3) is sufficient. Each table should be placed on a separate page, followed by the references at the end of the manuscript. Figures should be prepared and submitted as separate files.
In this section, focus on presenting the findings without providing interpretation, reasons, or related arguments. Save the interpretation and discussion of the results for the subsequent sections.
Discussion
It is necessary to discuss study findings regarding previous texts and studies. It is not necessary to mention the whole details of the findings in this section. It is necessary to emphasize the new and significant findings of the study and its achievements in this section. The limitations of the study should also mention in this section. The limitations of the study are described at the end of the discussion.
Conclusion
It is necessary to describe the general conclusion of the findings and the implementation of the findings. New information should not write in conclusion.
End of manuscript
The last part of the article should include Ethical considerations, Artificial intelligence utilization for article writing Acknowledgments, Conflict of Interest Statement, Author contributions, Supporting resources, and Data availability statement.

Note: See EQUATOR for more information about checklists and other study guides.
Tips about the main text

Supplementary files are not necessary for the body of the manuscript but are useful for the depth and background of the study and include tables, figures, videos, datasets, etc. Supplementary data can be made available online without editing. If there are such supplementary files, the authors need to indicate the accessibility or link. Authors are not expected to share data if data sharing contradicts ethical considerations or legal requirements.
 

 5  EDITING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The process of reviewing manuscripts
First, the editorial board council reviews manuscripts for any deficiencies in methodology, formatting, and compliance with the journal's scope. If approved, a code will be assigned to the manuscript, and all future correspondence will be based on this code. In the next step, the manuscript will be reviewed by at least two reviewers. Their comments are passed on to the authors, and the editor or the editorial board evaluates the response to the reviewer's comments. No manuscript will be rejected unless a rejection opinion is received from both reviewers.
Dealing with authors' complaints
Suppose the authors are not satisfied with the decision made about their manuscript. In that case, they must notify the journal of their objection within one month from the date of notification of the decision. The appeal must be in the form of a letter addressed to the editor and the journal's editorial board. The letter should clearly state the reasons for the comment. The Editorial Board of the journal evaluates appeals under the supervision of the editor, and the written result is communicated to the authors. The journal does the re-evaluation process within a month.

6   ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

The Journal of Medical Education Development is subject to the rules of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Note that the journal uses CrossCheck iThenticate software to identify overlaps and similar text in submitted manuscripts.
Note: Since research in education in medical sciences is conducted on human samples, all these studies must have an ethics code from a research ethics committee. The code should appear on the title page. To observe the double-blindness of the manuscript reviewing process, it is not necessary to mention the code of ethics in the main text of the submitted manuscript until the final acceptance. It must mention on the title page. Images and information about participants will only be published if the authors have the prior informed consent of the participant(s). Authors do not need to send a copy of the consent form to the journal office. However, in the ethical considerations of the manuscript, they should emphasize that consent has been obtained from the participants.

7  RELEASE PROCESS AFTER ACCEPTANCE

All accepted articles, without exception, will be edited in English to ensure readability before publication. The articles are reviewed according to the authors' guidelines and corrected as needed. Sources are meticulously checked for credibility, and if necessary, authors may be contacted for replacement or correction.
After ensuring the writing and format of the article by the editor of the journal, the journal office will send an acceptance letter to the corresponding author. This letter contains the editor's signature and all authors' names. The journal office will take the final steps to publish the manuscript in the journal.  Before being published, the manuscript in PDF format is sent to the corresponding author for the last check and proof. In addition, the manuscript file will be sent with instructions on correcting the manuscript to the corresponding author. s/he will be asked to email the manuscript to the journal office after the correction. The due time for proof is 72 hours.

Preview

The Journal of Medical Education Development has made it possible to publish accepted papers online immediately after final approval by the corresponding author. However, the articles do not yet have assigned numbers and pages in this form of publishing. Assigning a DOI to paper cause it will be completely citational. After publishing the article online, it should note that it will no longer be possible to change or modify it.