How I Operate

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In this episode of How I Operate, Ryan Sugrue is joined by Adam Reid, Editor-in-Chief of JPRAS, to explore what really happens to plastic surgery research between submission and publication.

Following a manuscript through the editorial process, Adam explains what editors look for when assessing a paper, how peer review works, and why good methodology, research integrity and clinical relevance matter more than impressive conclusions. They also explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence on scientific publishing, the risks of inappropriate AI use, and what the next generation of plastic surgeons should consider when getting started in research.

Key Takeaways
  • What happens to a manuscript after it is submitted to a plastic surgery journal.
  • What editors look for in a title, abstract and methodology when first assessing a paper.
  • Why following submission guidelines can make a difference before scientific review even begins.
  • How peer reviewers are selected and how conflicting reviewer feedback is managed.
  • Why limitations and negative findings should be reported honestly rather than hidden or overstated.
  • How conflicts of interest and research integrity influence editorial decisions.
  • The opportunities and risks associated with using AI in scientific research and publishing.
  • Why strong methodology and clinically meaningful questions remain fundamental to good research.
  • How mentorship, collaboration and building the right team can help surgeons get started in research.
Chapters:

00:15 – How Plastic Surgery Research Has Changed
04:48 – From Print Journals to Social Media
11:08 – What Happens After You Hit Submit?
15:53 – How an Editor Screens a Paper
18:57 – Building the Peer Review Team
26:14 – How Peer Review Really Works
31:23 – What Happens After Publication?
34:24 – Reviewing a Research Paper in Real Time
49:20 – AI and the Future of Scientific Publishing
01:01:21 – How to Get Started in Plastic Surgery Research

Thank you for listening to How I Operate.

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What is How I Operate?

The Plastics Fella talks to leading expert in Plastic Surgery. How I Operate takes you behind the scenes of plastic and reconstructive surgery, exploring the stories, expertise, and decisions behind the work. Each episode features candid conversations with people shaping the industry, from their clinical process to the lessons they’ve learned along the way.