Become a Peer Reviewer with the British Student Doctor Journal

If you’re a medical student or early-career researcher looking to make a meaningful contribution to the world of research, the British Student Doctor Journal provide the perfect opportunity! Becoming a peer-reviewer allows you to enhance your skillset, support high-quality student-led research and open up doors for your future in research.

📘What is the British Student Doctor Journal?

The British Student Doctor Journal (BSDJ) is a student-led, peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to showcasing research and academic writing from medical students and early-career healthcare professionals. Its mission is to empower students and junior researchers to publish their work while upholding rigorous academic standards.

🤔Why Become a Peer Reviewer?

1. Strengthen Your CV
Peer-reviewing is a significant achievement that demonstrates your dedication to research and academia. Having peer-review experience can make your applications for any future jobs stand out, this includes when applying for the specialised foundation programme, specialty training, or research/academia posts.

2. Refine Essential Skills
Peer-reviewing is more than reading papers; it’s about critically assessing the methodology, analyzing results, and evaluating the broader impact of the work. This process helps you build transferable skills like analytical thinking, scientific writing, and constructive communication—all of which are vital in medicine and academia.

3. Learn from Emerging Research
Reviewing papers exposes you to emerging research before its published! Whether you’re interested in medical education, clinical practice, and healthcare policy, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the curve in your field and bring new insights into your own work.

4. Support Your Peers
Being a first-time author can be really challenging to navigate, however constructive feedback from peer-reviewers can make a world of difference. By offering your expertise, you’ll be mentoring others and helping elevate the standard of student-led research. It may also help you refine your skills and get a taste of the publishing process if you did want to publish for the first time!

5. Be Part of a Global Community
As a peer-reviewer for the BSDJ, you’ll join a network of passionate and talented students, doctors, and researchers from around the world. This is a fantastic way to make life-long connections that will help you along your own journey.

🧑‍💼What Does the Role Involve?

As a peer-reviewer, you will be:

• Assessing Manuscripts: Evaluating the originality, quality, and relevance of the submissions.
• Providing Feedback: Highlight strengths and suggest improvements, ensuring your feedback is professional and supportive.
• Learning Through Practice: Even if you’re new to peer-reviewing, the BSDJ team provides resources and training to guide you through the process.

🏆What Are the Benefits?

1. Exclusive Training Opportunities
   The BSDJ provides comprehensive guidance on how to review papers effectively. This includes advice on assessing research quality, writing constructive feedback, and understanding the ethical responsibilities of a reviewer.
2. Recognition for Your Contribution
   Your name will be included on the BSDJ’s list of peer-reviewers—a testament to your commitment to academic excellence.
3. A Pathway to Future Opportunities
   Peer-reviewing is a stepping stone to becoming a published author, editorial board member, or academic leader. The skills and connections you gain can open doors to exciting career paths.
4. Personal Growth
   Peer-reviewing helps you grow as a person. It encourages collaboration, and a deeper appreciation for the hard work behind every research paper.
5. Flexible Schedule
   Whilst it is really important to respect any deadlines, you can pick and choose when and what you want to peer-review, so that it works with your schedule and interests!

🙋Who Can Apply?

The BSDJ encourages applications from:

• Medical Students: As long as you’re enthusiastic and willing to learn, you’ll make a fantastic peer-reviewer.
• Resident Doctors: Enhance your CV while giving back to the student research community.
• Healthcare Professionals: Whatever your clinical background, you can bring valuable perspectives to the review process.
• Early Career Researchers: Build your academic portfolio while gaining practical insights into the publication process.

Previous peer-review experience is not required—just an eagerness to engage with academic writing.

✍️How to Apply

Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the BSDJ Website
2. Complete the Application Form: Share details about your academic background, areas of interest, and why you’re interested in peer reviewing.
3. Participate in Reviewer Training: Familiarise yourself with the peer-review process through the training resources provided by the BSDJ.
4. Start Reviewing: Once your application is approved, you’ll be matched with manuscripts that interest you!

🙌Tips for Success as a Peer Reviewer

• Be Constructive: Always frame your feedback in a way that encourages authors to improve their work, following the guidelines set out by the BSDJ.
• Stay Objective: Focus on the quality of the manuscript, not personal opinions, keeping it professional.
• Be Timely: Respect deadlines to keep the publication process running smoothly.
• Keep Learning: Reviewing each manuscript is an opportunity to enhance your own academic skills.

💭Final Thoughts

Peer-reviewing is an extremely rewarding role that is very flexible, to fit around your work/studies. The BSDJ offer incredible support for peer-reviewers along the way, allowing you to gain valuable skills and incredible insight into the publishing process.

Apply today to start your peer-reviewing journey!