English Medical Paper Writing and International Submission

Introduction: What this manual can help you solve

一线临床工作者往往“重临床、轻科研”：日常诊疗经验丰富，却缺乏系统的科研训练，对论文结构、英文表达、出版规则和投稿流程认知不足。很多人手里有病例、有数据，却卡在两道坎上——一是英文写作关，不知道规范的学术句子怎么写；二是国际投稿关，不了解编辑邮件、审稿回复和期刊规则，担心“失礼”或踩坑。

这本手册正是为解决这两道坎而写，内容匹配“一带一路”国际医学期刊的英文投稿需求。全篇以中文讲解 + 可直接套用的英文模板呈现，英文部分均为国际医学期刊中真实、高频、地道的表达，方括号 [ ] 内为需要你替换的占位符。即使英文基础薄弱，也可以像“搭积木”一样，先套骨架句式，再填入自己的专业内容。

手册分为四部分：第一部分给出论文各章节的高频句式与核心词汇；第二部分讲零基础也能用好的写作工具及避坑点；第三部分规范编辑邮件与审稿回复的沟通礼仪；第四部分梳理中亚、东南亚、中东、非洲等区域期刊的投稿特点。建议先通读建立全局认知，正式写作时再回到对应章节直接取用模板。

Part 1: High-Frequency Sentence Patterns and Core Vocabulary for Medical Research Papers

1.1 First, build a holistic understanding: IMRaD structure and "block-style" writing.

国际医学论文普遍采用 IMRaD 结构，即 Introduction（引言）、Methods（方法）、Results（结果）、Discussion（讨论），再加上题名（Title）、摘要（Abstract）和关键词（Keywords）。各部分承担不同任务，对应不同的“标准句式库”。所谓“积木式”写作，就是先按章节搭好句式骨架，再把自己的研究对象、数据和结论填进去，而不必从零造句。

动笔前先掌握三条语言规则：

• Tense: Describe what the study did and what it found (methods, results).Simple PastUse the passive voice to state established facts, background knowledge, and conclusive viewpoints.Simple Present TenseReview of "Research Progress to Date"Present Perfect。
• Voice: Traditional medical writing preferencesPassive voiceWhile passive voice (e.g., "Patients were enrolled") remains standard, modern journals also accept the use of "we."Active voice(e.g., We enrolled patients), ensuring consistent style throughout the text.
• ConciseAcademic English prioritizes accuracy, conciseness, and objectivity. Avoid colloquialisms, hyperbolic language, and redundancy. Double-check negatives, numbers, and units.

1.2 Title: Structure, Syntax, and Standards

题名是论文的“第一检索入口”，要求准确、简明、可检索，尽量使用规范术语和研究设计名称，避免缩写和空泛的夸张词。常见有三种结构：

• Noun Phrase: Directly state the research subject and design—most common;
• Headline and SubheadUse a colon to separate: the first part covers the topic, and the second part covers design or scope.
• Design Description: Explicitly state "Randomized Controlled Trial," "Meta-analysis," or "Case Report" in the title.

可直接套用的高频题名模板：

规范要点：一般不使用非公知缩写；不建议用 “Study on the Effect of ...” 这类空泛开头；病例报告通常以 “A Case Report” 结尾；题名长度按目标期刊要求控制，投稿前务必查看作者指南。

1.3 Abstract: Four-Element Standard Structure

多数医学期刊采用结构式摘要，依次包含背景/目的（Background/Objective）、方法（Methods）、结果（Results）和结论（Conclusion）。摘要应独立自明，且所有结果都必须有正文支持。下面按要素给出高频句式。

1.3.1 背景与目的（Background / Objective）

1.3.2 方法（Methods）

1.3.3 结果（Results）

1.3.4 结论（Conclusion）

1.4 Introduction: Funnel Structure and High-Frequency Sentence Patterns

引言遵循“漏斗式”逻辑：从宏观背景切入，回顾已知证据，指出研究缺口（gap），最后落到本研究的目的与假设。篇幅通常 3–5 段，“研究缺口”是全篇最关键的逻辑枢纽。

1.4.1 背景与已知

1.4.2 指出研究缺口（关键）

1.4.3 落到本研究

1.5 Method (Methods): Tense, Voice, and Sentence Structures by Module

方法部分的核心要求是“可重复”：同行据此能够复现你的研究。统一使用一般过去时，按研究设计、对象、干预、指标、统计、伦理等子模块组织。

1.5.1 研究设计与对象

1.5.2 干预、分组与测量

1.5.3 统计分析

1.5.4 伦理与注册

1.6 Results: Data, Charts, and Significance

结果部分按“先基线、后结局”的顺序客观呈现，不做主观解释（解释放在讨论）。数据与图表相互配合，注意正文中正确引用表号、图号。

1.7 Discussion: Comparison, Explanation, Limitations, and Conclusion

讨论部分先回应主要发现，再与既往文献对比、解释机制与意义，坦诚说明局限，最后给出结论与展望。注意不要简单重复结果，而要回答“这意味着什么”。

1.7.1 回应发现与文献对比

1.7.2 临床意义

1.7.3 研究局限（必备）

1.7.4 结论与展望

1.8 Statement: Acknowledgments, Conflicts of Interest, Funding, Data Availability

国际期刊普遍要求随稿提交各类声明，句式固定、可直接套用，关键是真实填写。

作者贡献（Author Contributions）通常采用 CRediT 分类表述：

1.9 Core Medical Terminology and High-Frequency Connectors

下表汇总学术医学论文中最常用的动词、程度副词、逻辑连接词、易混词和拉丁缩写，建议结合自己的研究方向建立个人术语表，并对照 MeSH 等权威来源核对专业名词。

Part 2: Beginner's Guide to English Writing Tools

2.1 Tool Usage Guidelines and Data Confidentiality

工具能显著降低英文写作门槛，但必须摆正位置：工具是语言助手，不是科学内容的作者。研究设计、数据真实性和结论由作者负责。请遵循以下总原则：

• First logic, then language.First, clarify the research logic and list key points in Chinese or simple English. Then have the tool handle the language to avoid letting the tool do your thinking for you.
• Segmented Processing, Backup RetainedProcess by paragraph, always retaining the original draft and revision history for easy verification and rollback.
• Terminology manual review: Professional terminology, drug names, dosages, numbers, and units must be manually verified one by one. Prioritize reference to MeSH, authoritative guidelines, and established usage in journals.
• Data Confidentiality and MaskingDo not upload patient privacy data or unpublished data to public tools. Before uploading, remove identifiable information such as names and hospital ID numbers; use local or enterprise versions of tools whenever possible.
• Tools may make mistakes.: Any tool may mistranslate, omit content, or "confidently fabricate" information. Ultimate responsibility lies with the author; do not copy blindly.

2.2 Translation Tool: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

2.2.1 主流工具特点

• DeepL: Natural phrasing and smooth flow across sentences and paragraphs, with reliable handling of medical terminology; well-suited for body text. However, it may omit details or add unnecessary content when dealing with extremely long clauses or complex negations.
• Google Translate: Supports the widest range of languages, offering both web page and full-document translation—ideal for quickly understanding multi-language regional documents along the "Belt and Road."
• AI Translation (ChatGPT, Claude, Doubao, etc.): Offers the highest flexibility by allowing context integration, maintaining terminology consistency, and specifying academic tone with British or American spelling.

2.2.2 正确用法与避坑点

1. 01Translate in paragraphs first to establish a consistent approach.Chinese-English Terminology Reference, ensure consistency of the same concept throughout.
2. 02Make the most ofBack translationVerification: Translate the English output back to Chinese to check for consistency with the original meaning and ensure no information has been added or omitted.
3. 03Double-check numbers, units, percentages, names, and dates—these are the areas where machines most easily make silent errors.
4. 04专业名词先查 MeSH 或权威术语，不要直接采用工具的字面翻译。
5. 05Avoid submitting in bulk or directly; pay attention to tense, singular/plural forms, negation words, and colloquial expressions.

2.3 Grammar Checker: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

• GrammarlyMost widely used; checks grammar, spelling, punctuation, tone, and some academic styles. The free version meets basic needs but may misidentify technical terms.
• Trinka: Designed specifically for academic English, familiar with medical terminology, capable of checking academic tone and journal standards—ideal for research writing.
• LanguageToolOpen-source, locally deployable, strong privacy protection; ideal for handling sensitive manuscripts.
• Built-in Editor in WordProvides spelling, grammar, and readability checks with no extra uploads required—ideal as a first-line defense.

使用要点：先跑语法纠错，再人工审视逻辑；不要无脑“全部接受”，接受每条建议前读通整句；把专业术语加入自定义词典以减少误报；全文统一英式或美式拼写（如 behaviour/behavior、organisation/organization）。需要强调：语法工具不懂你的科学逻辑，它判“正确”的句子仍可能存在论证问题。

2.4 Generative AI: Prompt Templates and Academic Integrity Boundaries

生成式 AI（ChatGPT、Claude、Gemini、豆包等）适合用于头脑风暴、改写晦涩句子、检查逻辑、模拟审稿和翻译润色。关键是给出角色、任务、约束清晰的提示词。

可直接套用的提示词：

学术诚信与署名红线（务必遵守）：

• Do not fabricate: Do not fabricate data, literature, or citations. AI may generate plausible but non-existent references ("hallucinations"). All citations must be verified independently.
• Cannot signAI cannot be listed as an author or bear authorship responsibility. Per ICMJE/COPE guidelines and target journal requirements, disclose AI usage transparently in the Methods section or Acknowledgments.
• The authors bear sole responsibility for the content.Authors remain responsible for plagiarism checks, originality, and scientific accuracy. AI editing does not constitute a defense against liability.

Risks of the 2.5 Rewriting and Paraphrasing Tool

QuillBot、Paraphraser 等同义改写工具通过替换词语“降重”，容易产生不地道或错误的搭配，且并不改变版权归属与重复实质。正确的降重方式是：读懂原文后用自己的语言重新组织，并正确引用出处；同时警惕自我抄袭、一稿多投和重复发表，而不是依赖机器替换蒙混查重。

2.6 Recommended Tool Combination Workflow

对零基础作者，推荐如下“流水线”，每一步都有人工核对环节：

1. 01Draft the Chinese outline/key points to clarify the research logic;
2. 02Generate initial draft using DeepL or AI;
3. 03Verify terminology, drug names, and numerical units against the glossary.
4. 04Use Grammarly or Trinka for grammar checking.
5. 05Polish using AI in academic style (strictly preserve data and avoid adding new conclusions);
6. 06Have a human review the text and have it proofread by a mentor or a colleague with strong English skills/native speaker.
7. 07查重并按目标期刊格式排版后投稿。

Part 3: Etiquette for International Submissions

3.1 General Principles: Formal, concise, polite, and documented

• Formal: Use formal written language; avoid abbreviations, colloquialisms, and exclamation marks (e.g., use "do not" instead of "don't").
• ConciseOne email per topic: state the manuscript title and ID in the opening.
• Polite: Maintain professionalism and restraint in your emails, even when facing disagreements or rejections. Do not let emotions show.
• TracePrioritize communication via the journal submission system. For important matters, also send an email and retain all correspondence. Keep all messages within the same email thread for a given issue.
• Give plenty of timeRespect the peer review timeline; avoid frequent follow-ups. Be mindful of time zones and deadlines.

3.2 Cover Letter: Structure and Complete Template

投稿信是编辑对你的第一印象，通常包含：编辑称呼、稿件题目与类型、一句话核心发现与意义、原创性与独家声明、伦理与利益冲突、推荐/回避审稿人（可选）、规范落款。

3.3 with Editor: Common Email Templates

3.3.1 礼貌询问稿件状态（催稿）

3.3.2 申请延长修回期限

3.3.3 撤稿

3.3.4 清样校对（Proof）

此外，推荐审稿人应提供姓名、单位、邮箱和研究方向，并声明无利益关系；若对决定有异议需申诉（appeal），应基于事实、补充证据、礼貌提出，而不是情绪化反驳，且通常只有一次申诉机会。

3.4 Response to Reviewers: Point-by-Point Format

审稿回复是决定修回稿件能否被接收的关键，核心礼仪如下：

• Reply point-to-pointQuote each reviewer comment individually and provide a corresponding response, ensuring nothing is omitted or avoided.
• Thank you in advanceAcknowledge the value of the feedback, even if you disagree. Maintain a respectful and professional tone.
• Mark LocationSpecify the page and line number of the change, and use Track Changes or color highlighting.
• well-foundedReasons and supporting literature must be provided for items that cannot be modified, rather than a simple refusal.

回复信开头模板：

同意并修改：

按建议补充分析：

礼貌地保留不同意见：

确实无法提供时：

Responding to the Four Types of Review Decisions: 3.5

3.6 Salutation, Sign-off, Attachments, and Tone Details

• TitleUse "Dear Dr. [Surname]" if the name is known; otherwise, use "Dear Editors" or "Dear Editor-in-Chief".
• SignatureFull name, degree, position, affiliation, email, and ORCID. Information is complete and standardized.
• AttachmentUse clear file names (e.g., ManuscriptID_Response.pdf) and briefly describe the attachment content in the main text.
• Tone Restrictions: Avoid colloquial abbreviations, exclamation marks, and language that urges, threatens, or questions the reviewer's integrity.
• ValidityNote: Be mindful of the time zone for edits and the system deadline; please submit early whenever possible.

常用礼貌句式速查：

Part IV: Submission Characteristics of Medical Journals in the "Belt and Road" Region

4.1 What to Check First: Indexing, Fees, and Credibility

选刊比写作更需要“先看清楚”。建议依次核查以下维度，从源头避免投错刊或误入掠夺性期刊。

4.1.1 认识索引层级

• Global StandardSCIE/SSCI (Web of Science), PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ESCI, PubMed Central, and Embase offer the highest recognition and search visibility.
• Open Access DirectoryDOAJ-indexed open access journals are a key reference for verifying journal legitimacy.
• Regional Index: WPRIM and ASEAN Citation Index (ACI) in Southeast Asia, RSCI in the Russian-speaking region, African Index Medicus in Africa, etc., reflecting regional visibility.

4.1.2 识别掠夺性期刊（Predatory Journal）

常见“红旗”包括：主动发送垃圾邮件邀稿、承诺几天内快速录用或“保证发表”、缺乏清晰的同行评审流程、APC 费用不透明、刊名仿冒知名期刊、网站错误百出、查不到正规索引和真实编委。可借助 DOAJ 目录、Think Check Submit 原则、Scimago Journal Rank（SJR） 并回到期刊官网核实 ISSN、DOI、出版社与编委信息。

4.2 Central Asia: Multilingual Coexistence and the Scopus Transition

中亚（哈萨克斯坦、乌兹别克斯坦、塔吉克斯坦、吉尔吉斯斯坦、土库曼斯坦）医学期刊普遍存在俄语、本地语言、英语多语种并存的局面：老牌期刊多以俄语为主，而年轻的、定位国际化的期刊越来越多地采用英文。

• Entry to Scopus requires English proficiency and adherence to rigorous peer-review standards.: For example, Tajikistan's Avicenna Bulletin was indexed by Scopus in 2023 and is also available on Embase, DOAJ, and RSCI. This demonstrates that regional journals are increasingly going global by enhancing English-language quality and peer-review standards.
• Confirm current language and index statusSome journals publish both Russian and English articles, leading to significant differences in search visibility and citation opportunities across languages.
• Follow the local certification listLocal degree and title evaluations often recognize specific indexes (e.g., HAC/VAK lists). Confirm suitability for your purpose before submission.
• Do not lower language standards.Even for regional journals, English manuscripts must be idiomatic and well-formatted. Studies on local populations, region-specific diseases, and traditional medicine are particularly welcomed in such journals.

4.3 Southeast Asia: Aligned with international standards; mature regional indexing

东南亚（泰国、印度尼西亚、马来西亚、菲律宾、越南、新加坡等）医学期刊与国际规范接轨程度较高，头部期刊（如 The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia）明确遵循 ICMJE 推荐规范与 COPE 出版伦理。

• Region index mature: In addition to Scopus and PMC, there is also the Western Pacific Region Index of Medical Publications (WPRIM) and the ASEAN Citation Index (ACI). For example, the Philippine journal Acta Medica Philippina is indexed in all four databases: PMC, Scopus, WPRIM, and ACI.
• Large cost varianceSome journals do not charge an Article Processing Charge (APC). Verify before submitting to avoid unexpected budget impacts.
• Pay attention to English spelling.: Some journals requireAmerican EnglishSpelling: Follow the table and chart formatting guidelines in the Author Guide strictly.
• Language assistance is limited.The editorial office may offer limited language assistance, but polishing your manuscript in advance can significantly speed up the process.
• Topic Preferences: Tropical diseases, infectious diseases, public health, primary care, and regional population data.

4.4 Middle East: Rigorous standards for English publication, ethics, and registration

中东（沙特、阿联酋、卡塔尔、阿曼、黎巴嫩、埃及、约旦等）面向国际的医学期刊多仅以英文出版，双盲审稿常见，并强调由单一通信作者全程负责沟通、伦理审批、临床试验注册和利益冲突表单。

• Strict oversight on ethics and registrationEthics committee approval, informed consent, and clinical trial registration (per ICMJE requirements) must be complete; missing items often lead to immediate rejection.
• Platform GuidelinesMany journals are hosted by universities or platforms like Elsevier and Springer, ensuring standardized workflows. While the ICMJE provides Arabic translations to aid local understanding, submissions must still be in English.
• Clear attribution and accountabilityAuthors' contributions, affiliations, and corresponding author responsibilities must be clearly defined. Strict review is required for duplicate submissions and redundant publications.
• Topic PreferencesDiabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, genetic disorders, local epidemiology, and desert-related conditions.

4.5 Africa Region: Friendly to local disease issues; clear declaration requirements

非洲（南非、尼日利亚、肯尼亚、埃塞俄比亚、埃及及法语区等）医学期刊多由专业学会和大学出版，常依赖志愿者编辑、资源有限，审稿多为双盲，周期常见约 4–6 周，但各刊差异较大。

• Value all disclaimersConflict of interest, funding sources, data availability, and ethical approval are all required. Even if there is no conflict of interest, you must explicitly state "none declared".
• Distinct topic preferencesMalaria, tuberculosis, HIV, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and clinical research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Such topics are often considered "too basic" by Western journals but are welcomed by regional publications.
• Language RegionsEnglish is the predominant language, though French-language journals also exist (e.g., Annales africaines de médecine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Please verify language requirements before submission.
• Significant discrepancy between publication and indexing.Partially indexed in PubMed/Scopus; most are only in regional databases (e.g., African Index Medicus). Publication schedules may be inconsistent. High open access rate—watch for APCs and fee waivers for low-income regions.

4.6 Regional Comparison Table and General Submission Checklist

Conclusion: Final Submission Checklist & Mindset Tips

正式点击“提交”前，建议对照以下清单逐项确认（可打印后勾选）：

□ 选题与期刊范围（Aims & Scope）匹配，文章类型符合要求

□ 字数、页数、参考文献数量与格式符合作者指南

□ 结构式摘要完整，关键词数量与术语规范

□ 图表清晰、编号正确，表题/图题位置与格式无误

□ 伦理批件、知情同意、临床试验注册齐全

□ 利益冲突、基金、数据可用性、作者贡献声明完整

□ 投稿信（Cover Letter）信息准确，已附推荐/回避审稿人（如需要）

□ 已完成查重，文件命名规范，已注册 ORCID

□ 全文通读，数字、单位、药名、时态与拼写核对无误

最后给零基础作者三句心态建议：第一，学术写作是一门可以学习的技能，没有人天生会写，规范句式和模板是最好的起点；第二，先完成、再完美，先把骨架和数据填完整，语言可以借助工具和同事逐步打磨；第三，善用工具但守住底线——让工具帮你解决语言，却永远让自己守住科学真实、数据准确和学术诚信。从一篇病例报告、一次规范投稿开始，你就已经走在大多数同行前面。