Integrative medicine case series : a clinician's guide to publication

Case series, while considered low on the research hierarchy, have been a valuable method of informing medical practice for as long as medicine has been practised. Case reports can generate hypotheses, uncover original observations, novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, unusual, new or uncommon diseases and complications of medical treatment. Despite their importance, and contemporary trends supporting their further use, publishing case series can be a difficult task for many clinicians and researchers. Preparing a case series for publication can be both a professionally and personally rewarding endeavour for clinicians. This article describes practical and academic insights into writing a case series for publication.