View Point

 

VIEWPOINT

The Viewpoint section of Colombia Médica is dedicated to publishing manuscripts that present well-founded opinions, critical reflections, or analyses on relevant topics in medicine and health sciences. These articles offer a personal and informed perspective that fosters academic and scientific debate in areas of current interest or controversy.

Objectives

  • Publish critical reflections and informed opinions on current or controversial topics in medicine and health sciences.
  • Stimulate academic debate and discussion on policies, clinical practices, research, and health education.
  • Provide a platform to share innovative or divergent perspectives on relevant issues in the field.

Publication Criteria

Content

  • Articles must address a relevant topic in medicine or health sciences from a personal and informed perspective.
  • They must present clear, coherent arguments supported by scientific evidence or professional experience.
  • Contributions on health policies, ethical dilemmas, technological advances, educational topics, or any aspect significantly impacting the health field are accepted.

Length

  • There is no strict word limit, but a range of 1,500 to 3,000 words is recommended, excluding references and tables.
  • The number of references should be sufficient to support the arguments, focusing on current and relevant sources.

Structure

  • Title: Clear, concise, and representative of the content (maximum 15 words).
  • Abstract: Non-structured, up to 150 words, summarizing the main points of the article.
  • Keywords: Between 3 and 6, following the terms of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).
  • Introduction: Presentation of the topic and justification of its importance.
  • Development: Exposition of the argument or analysis, logically organized and supported by evidence.
  • Conclusion: Summary of the main points and recommendations or implications for practice, research, or policy.
  • References: In Vancouver format, prioritizing relevant and current sources.

Guidelines and Publication Standards

Although Viewpoint articles do not require strict adherence to methodological guidelines as in other manuscript types, the following is recommended:

  • Use evidence-based arguments when applicable.
  • Avoid unsupported or speculative statements.
  • Explicitly declare any conflict of interest related to the topic discussed.

Format

  • Specific formatting details can be found in the Manuscript Submission Format section.
  • Figures: Editable formats (.jpeg, .png, .tiff) with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
  • Tables: Included at the end of the manuscript, numbered, and with descriptive titles, if necessary
  • Additional documents: Authors must attach the following completed documents at the time of manuscript submission:
      1. Copyright Transfer Agreement: Completed and signed by all authors.
      2. Conflict of Interest Declaration: Detailing any financial, professional, or personal relationships that could influence the content of the article.
      3. CRediT Taxonomy Author Contribution Form: Specifying each author's role in the preparation and development of the manuscript (e.g., conceptualization, methodology, writing, data analysis).
      4. Ethical Approval: For studies involving humans or animals, the ethical approval certificate from the Research Ethics Committee that supervised the study must be attached. The certificate must include information about protocol approval, informed consent (for human studies), and adherence to international standards such as the Declaration of Helsinki for studies involving humans or animal welfare guidelines for studies involving animals.

        Compliance with these requirements is mandatory, and their absence may delay or prevent the manuscript’s review process.

Review Process

  1. Reception: The editorial board will initially evaluate the manuscript to verify its relevance and compliance with basic requirements.
  2. Peer Review: Articles will be reviewed by at least one expert in the field under a double-blind review model.

Ethical Considerations

  • Authors must ensure the manuscript is original and has not been previously published or is under consideration in another journal.
  • Declaring any conflict of interest or funding source is mandatory.

Submission Process

  • Manuscripts must be submitted exclusively through the Colombia Médica editorial management system.
  • Failure to comply with the established guidelines may result in immediate rejection of the manuscript.