20 Under 40 Update:
Schoenfeld Develops Guide to Get Your Research Published
Academic publishing can seem like an insurmountable challenge. Developing impactful research, selecting the right journal for that research, and then navigating tough reviews can be daunting. Without clear guidance, even the most promising research can struggle to find its place in the academic landscape.
Andrew Schoenfeld, MD, MSc, an inaugural 20 Under 40 Honoree, NASS Strategic Growth Council Chair, and Spine Editor in Chief, set out to simplify the process in An Insider’s Guide to Academic Publishing in Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery. “I’m quite regularly asked, ‘what’s the best resource that is a one-stop guide to the construction of research products and navigating the submissions and peer review processes?’” says Schoenfeld. “There wasn’t a single, concise guide available—that’s the vacuum that we intended to fill with this new book.”
With experience behind the scenes at several leading journals, Schoenfeld sees first-hand how misunderstood the peer-review process is. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that peer-review is akin to a judicial hearing. So, if you get two good reviews and one unfavorable one, you should win out and get published. But that is really not the case,” he explains. “Even a single profound reviewer concern, as well as input from various editors, might outweigh even several positive sentiments from other peer reviewers.”
Beyond clearing up misconceptions, the book outlines the essential steps in study design, manuscript writing, and journal selection. He emphasizes that large data aren’t a shortcut to strong research. “If you’re working with a large sample size, but studying a rare complication like DVT or PE that is only present in a handful of instances, it will limit what can be done with the substrate and what conclusions can be drawn.”
What makes a paper not just publishable, but impactful? Schoenfeld boils it down to novelty, rigor, and timing. “The papers with the greatest impact are not just timely but provide a novel paradigm or new outlook for the field,” he says. “The best you can do is ensure your research is methodologically sound, addresses a compelling question, and is communicated effectively.”
Did You Know?
Dr. Schoenfeld also co-hosts Your Case Is On Hold, a podcast that takes a deeper look at research published in JBJS. The show blends academic insight with a dose of entertainment and pop culture references.
"The idea behind Your Case Is On Hold is very similar to that which underpins the book. In the podcast, we use published papers as a medium to discuss research-based, methodologic, and publishing principles—with a dose of entertainment and pop culture," says Schoenfeld.
Before a paper reaches publication, authors must navigate the often-challenging landscape of peer-review. Understanding how to manage reviewer feedback is as critical as designing a strong study. “There’s an entire chapter dedicated to handling reviewer critiques,” Schoenfeld shares. “I break difficult reviewers down into archetypes—the Nihilist, the Inquisitor, the Adversary—and provide strategies for dealing with each.”
He advises authors to approach peer-review as a dialog, not a battle. “A rejection doesn’t mean the work is bad or poorly executed. Journals receive far more submissions than they can publish. Most rejected articles are very likely to get published in a different venue where there may be better alignment.”
Schoenfeld is quick to note that research isn’t meant to be a solo endeavor. A strong mentorship is critical for early career researchers. “There’s a whole chapter in the book on this,” he notes. “The most important thing is to find someone with experience and the time to mentor.”
In addition to connecting through mentorships, he points to societies like NASS for the invaluable opportunities they offer to build research partnerships. “It really boils down to interpersonal relationships. That’s what makes annual meetings like NASS’ so essential,” he says. “Having these established times when you know you will be able to connect on a personal level with colleagues and researchers, not only to catch up on established projects but also inspire new endeavors.”
For those expecting a dry academic manual, An Insider’s Guide might come as a surprise. Schoenfeld infused it with humor, pop culture references, and nods to Plato, Dracula, Tarot cards, and Taylor Swift. “If you know another book on academic publishing that also references the Lord of the Rings, I want to know about it.”
His final piece of advice? “Know yourself, know your work, know your goals. Make sure all three are aligned with the research you are producing and the journal venues you are targeting.”
Enjoying Dr. Schoenfeld’s Insight on Research?
This article is the tip of the iceberg! Read the full Q&A in an upcoming NASS Insider. Check your inbox in May for the extended cut, where Dr. Schoenfeld dives even deeper into the publishing process, mentorship, and presenting your research! Make sure you’re signed up to receive our emails so you don’t miss exclusive interviews, research updates, and thought leadership from experts in spine care.