{"id":453,"date":"2024-07-01T01:05:39","date_gmt":"2024-07-01T01:05:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/somaresearch.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=453"},"modified":"2024-07-01T19:16:33","modified_gmt":"2024-07-01T19:16:33","slug":"how-to-write-a-medical-case-report-a-guide-for-medical-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/studentdoresearch.org\/?p=453","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Medical Case Report: A Guide for Medical Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Author: Pranitha Pothuri, OMS III<\/strong>, ARCOM<\/h5>\n
Editors: Sneha Polam and Samantha Licciardi<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Updated: January 31, 2024<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Case reports are a great way for medical students to get involved in research and report on interesting cases\/scientific findings. Typically, they are brief and very focused<\/span>1<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>They usually described a rare or uncommon presentation or patient condition and the treatment plan that followed. They can also present a unique treatment modality for a condition or an unusual side effect to a therapy. Writing case reports can enhance your CV, contribute to the knowledge of the medical community as a whole, and bring awareness to new diseases and interesting condition presentations. Case reports also explore the impacts and implications of a new discovery in the field of medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Oftentimes, identifying a suitable case can be the most challenging part.\u00a0 If you\u2019re interested in a particular speciality, you can contact faculty members in that speciality and express your interest so they can notify you of potential cases. Other times, however, the subject of a case report can arise unexpectedly during rotations so it\u2019s best to always keep your eyes peeled. It can be helpful to ask your preceptor or residents on your rotations about interesting cases and if they have any opportunities to write a case report.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Initial Steps:<\/b><\/p>\n

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When writing the report, you want to make sure first you have your preceptor\u2019s permission.\u00a0 Obtaining patient consent for a case report is also important.\u00a0 Your preceptor can help facilitate this conversation because it\u2019s a delicate balance between advancing medicine with new information and maintaining patient confidentiality. Given how rare a condition may be for a particular case, it may be difficult to maintain a patient\u2019s anonymity so they must be made aware of this before you attempt to publish your case report.<\/span>2<\/span><\/p>\n

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Before beginning to write your case report, you will want to find 3-5 quality sources to cite to add background information to your case. This will help to establish what is already known in the field so you can demonstrate what new information your case adds. Once you do this, you can begin to write the introduction and description of the case.\u00a0 Avoid passive verbs and wordy language, use appropriate medical terms, and if you have any associated imaging make sure to label it and include a standard version for comparison. When writing about the case itself, attempt to go in chronological order and be sure to include all relevant results\/diagnoses. In the discussion portion, explain what new information your case adds and what impacts this has on the field. Also, you can discuss the implications of this case in the overall field of medicine and limitations if any were present.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Steps Before Beginning to Write a Case Report<\/b><\/p>\n

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  1. Find an interesting case either through a mentor, during rotations, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Ask for permission from your preceptor\/physician for that patient\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Research 3-5 quality sources to obtain background information on your case, establish what is known, and find what new information your case contributes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Find relevant journals to publish your case report in and see if they have specific requirements\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    General Components of a Case Report:<\/b><\/p>\n

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