Researcher blogs

During my PhD journey, I was keen to explore opportunities beyond my research that could enhance my academic skills and increase my understanding of scientific publishing. As a member of the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua), I came across an advertisement for the editorial training program at the International Journal of Quality in Healthcare (IJQHC). My curiosity about what happens behind the scenes in academic publishing, along with the opportunity to learn from senior editors and mentors, motivated me to apply. I saw it as a perfect opportunity to learn more about the peer-review process, improve my critical appraisal skills, and contribute to the academic community in a meaningful way.

I enrolled in the IJQHC for a one-year training program, which provided me with hands-on experience and a better understanding of the editorial process. After completing the training, I was promoted to assistant deputy editor, which brought new responsibilities and opportunities.

Learning through mentorship

A key part of the training was working closely with a mentor, one of the journal’s deputy editors. This mentorship helped me to understand how to evaluate manuscripts, decide whether they should proceed to peer review, and communicate effectively with authors and reviewers. When I was assigned to review manuscripts, I received detailed comments from my mentor that helped me refine my approach. During our discussions, I also gained insight into the decision-making process on how final decisions are reached after reviewers’ feedback.

Building reviewer skills

During the training, I got the opportunity to review manuscripts as a peer reviewer, which was both exciting and challenging. Learning to critically assess and provide constructive feedback required a balance of technical knowledge and clear communication. This experience also helped me approach manuscripts with a more systematic and analytical manner, which has positively influenced my own writing. For example, when writing my own manuscripts, I now pay closer attention to how each section connects, ensuring that my findings are well explained and well supported.

Furthermore, in the editorial role, I gained a different perspective by evaluating reviewers’ feedback on manuscripts. Receiving and analyzing reviewers’ comments has made me more receptive to constructive criticism.

Interaction with the Chief Editor

Regular meetings with the chief editor were an integral part of the program. These sessions offered the opportunity to discuss challenges, receive advice on reviewing, and share feedback about the training. The support and guidance from the chief editor made the learning experience more rewarding and ensured that the training stayed on track.

Exposure to journal operations

Attending journal board meetings was another valuable part of the training. These meetings provided a behind-the-scenes look at how the journal operates, including discussions on editorial policies and strategies to enhance the journal’s impact. We observed how senior editors debated key decisions that ensured that the journal maintained high-quality standards. Additionally, we had the opportunity to share our perspectives and ask questions.

My cohort also worked on a collaborative project conducting a situational analysis of the journal, sharing our perspectives on its long-term direction and strategies to achieve these goals. The board reviewed our work, provided constructive feedback, and helped us refine our ideas further.

Transitioning to Assistant Deputy Editor

After completing the training, I transitioned to the role of assistant deputy editor. This position gave me greater autonomy in handling tasks, but the deputy editors continued to provide support when needed. Another valuable opportunity that came with being part of the journal was reviewing abstracts submitted to the ISQua annual conference, a significant event for the journal.

Challenges and growth

The training wasn’t without its challenges. Balancing the editorial work with other commitments, such as my PhD studies, required careful time management and prioritization. Learning to provide feedback that was both constructive and actionable while maintaining professionalism was also a skill that took time to develop. However, these challenges ultimately strengthened my abilities as a reviewer and editor.

Meeting in person

Although the training was conducted online, one of the highlights was meeting the journal board, mentors, and fellow trainees in person at the ISQua 2024 annual conference in Istanbul. Connecting face-to-face with the people I had worked with made the experience even more meaningful and helped solidify the relationships built during the training.

Final thoughts

For my fellow PhD students, I highly encourage exploring opportunities in editorial roles. It’s a chance to develop and improve critical skills, gain valuable insights into publishing, and contribute to advancing knowledge in your field. The challenges are real, but the rewards are well worth the effort.