Omar Najim
Case reports are an important area of clinical research, as they are a mode of communication with the rest of the medical world about how a specific patient and their disease course. They are valuable because they can highlight learning points with respect to uncommon presentation of a condition, modes of investigation, and of course management of the condition. Although they are not at the top of the evidence pyramid, they are certainly worth getting involved in for many reasons, as writing up a case can help you develop as a clinician, and signify interest in the subject matter.
As an FY1 Doctor, I was lucky enough to be involved in writing up two cases as a first author, and have presented this work at international conferences.
The first thing that one should do is familiarise themselves with already published case reports. In ophthalmology, journals such as British Journal of Ophthalmology, Eye, and the Journal of the Foundations of Ophthalmology feature many published cases which are freely accessible. This can inform both content and style, which can be serve as valuable templates when the time to write comes up.
The most important thing which will allow you to be involved in writing up a case is to show your face! If you are in medical school, show interest in your clinic time and theatre sessions – be proactive and ask questions, which will show you are interested and inquisitive. Aside from this, talking to your consultants and registrars about their career path, what made them choose the specialty, and even asking directly about research opportunities helps to build rapport. If there is an interesting case in clinic, which they indicate is uncommon or particularly interesting, ask them whether they think this is a case that could be written up. They may say yes!
From my experience, the first case that I was able to secure was from attending departmental ophthalmology teaching at my hospital. I asked the team when this ran, and they added me to the email chain which showed the time, location, and even MS Teams joining link. One of the cases was mentioned directly by the consultant that it would be a good case to writeup – therefore, I emailed him and asked him whether I could take the lead on it. I was also supported by another consultant, whom I knew quite well from regularly attending teaching.
The second way I secured this opportunity was from my clinical duties. Having referred a patient to ophthalmology, I followed up her case as it progressed. I then discussed her case with the ophthalmologist who saw her, and asked him whether we could write it up, which he agreed.
After this, it is important to pull your weight and do the work efficiently, and quickly. This will allow you to either publish or present your work at conferences.