Finding Yourself in the Arena of Scientific Writing: The Journey From Idea to Publication in Shelter and Community Medicine

Irrespective of discipline, scientific study relies upon systematic reasoning from observations to formulate and refine hypotheses and develop theories that can explain documented phenomena. Our understanding of science and its influence on the world around us is ever evolving, yet science cannot advance without clear communication to disseminate findings that result from reproducible research. Veterinary and animal care team members can contribute significantly to the advancement of science by sharing ideas, experiences, perspectives, case management decisions, and patient outcomes. The uniqueness of shelter medicine, with recent emphasis on how to maintain animals within their homes, offers a wealth of observations and discoveries that are worthy of publication. For those in clinical practice in shelter and community medicine, the primary obstacles to publishing are time, confidence, and lack of familiarity or experience with the structure and style of scientific writing. Such barriers can be overcome through a combination of graduated exposure, mentoring, patience, and practice. This article explores the journey from idea to publication to encourage those in shelter and community medicine who generate and have access to vital data to come forward. Writing to publish is a teachable skill, one that the veterinary profession relies upon to translate scientific inquiry into print capable of broadening global perspectives and influencing the clinical practice of tomorrow.