Editorial Policies

Thank you for your interest in publishing with JOMI. Our mission is to create a window into the practice of expert surgeons, offering on-demand virtual shadowing experiences to improve patient outcomes and surgical education. These editorial policies outline the guidelines for submitting and publishing content with JOMI.

Aims and Scope

Journal of Medical Insight (JOMI) is dedicated to advancing surgical education and clinical practice by publishing peer-reviewed, high-quality surgical video articles. The journal’s content covers a wide range of surgical specialties and sub-specialties, providing a comprehensive educational resource for healthcare professionals.

Submissions to JOMI must present surgical cases, procedures, or materials related to surgery in a manner that is educational, relevant to surgical practice, and aligns with the journal’s mission to enhance surgical education. Our audience includes physicians, students, researchers, and other professionals in biomedicine who benefit from observing detailed surgical cases.

JOMI is the only surgical video journal that publishes long-format surgical videos, offering an immersive virtual shadowing experience. By capturing procedures in their entirety, we allow viewers to follow each step of the surgical process with the depth and clarity necessary for meaningful learning and skill development.

JOMI covers a diverse array of surgical specialties, including but not limited to:

By encompassing a broad spectrum of specialties, JOMI ensures that our content is diverse and comprehensive, supporting the educational needs of a wide range of medical professionals.

Manuscript Submission Guidelines

The production of a text article is an important and necessary part of the JOMI publication process. This text allows authors to elaborate on their narration with further details regarding case history or operating techniques, while also improving accessibility and discoverability of content, which increase the likelihood that the video article will be viewed and cited.

JOMI accepts two types of text articles:

Full Text Articles – Detailed descriptions that accompany the surgical video that offer a comprehensive analysis.
Case Overviews – A more concise article format that provides a broad discussion of the topic while maintaining key procedural and clinical insights.

Authorship Order

Author order for the article may be selected by the attending surgeon, but would default to:

First author: Major contributor to the text article, often a resident.
Remaining authors: Other contributors to either the video or the text article.
Principle Investigator/Last author: Attending surgeon if they are not the first author․

Manuscript Preparation

All text articles should be submitted as a Word document (.doc, .docx, or Google Doc) using this form: Submission Form

The main text should be written in prose format (no bullet points or enumerated lists).
Paragraphs should be separated by a blank line (no indentation).
Follow AMA style for references.

Article Structure Options

1. Full Text Articles

Please use the following headings to structure the text article. A template is found here.

This format is designed for comprehensive procedural descriptions. Authors should use the following structured format:

The title page should contain the following information:

Title (this should match the title in the video; If a new title is provided, it will be updated in the video)
All authors’ names, credentials, and affiliations in the order they should appear for the citation.
Contact information for the corresponding author(s)

Abstract (100–300 words)

A structured summary including a brief description of the clinical procedure, its applications, and its use in the specific case.
No references in the abstract.

Keywords (3–10 keywords)

Case Overview (1,500 words max)

A structured breakdown, typically including:

Background – Introduction to the condition and procedure.
Patient History & Exam – Relevant patient history and physical exam findings.
Imaging – Any relevant CT, MRI, or X-ray findings.
Natural History – Disease progression if left untreated.
Treatment Options – Discussion of surgical vs. non-surgical approaches.
Rationale for Treatment – Why this approach was chosen.
Special Considerations – When this procedure is particularly useful or contraindicated.

Discussion (1,500 words max)

Detailed procedural description.
Evolution of surgical techniques.
Outcome data, clinical studies, and future advancements.
Follow-up information if available.

Equipment

Special equipment, tools, and implants used.
Omit common surgical instruments.

Disclosures

If no disclosures, state: “Nothing to disclose.”

Statement of Consent

Default statement:

“The patient referred to in this video article has given their informed consent to be filmed and is aware that information and images will be published online.”

References (15–20 sources recommended)

AMA Manual of Style.
List references sequentially in the order they appear.
Journal titles should be abbreviated per PubMed standards.
Include DOIs for electronic sources.

Acknowledgments

Funding sources and non-author contributions may be listed here.

Tables and Figures

Tables: Sequentially labeled with titles above the table (e.g., “Table 1. Occurrence of Refractory GERD in Patients Over 50”).
Figures: Professional quality, labeled in order, submitted as separate .jpg or .png files. Titles and descriptions should be included in the document.

Procedure Outline

A structured procedure outline may be submitted for adjustment into the final case report.

2. Case Overviews

Please use the following headings to structure the text article. A template is found here.

This format is intended for concise, high-level discussions of surgical cases while still providing educational value. The structure is as follows:

Title Page

The title page should contain the following information:

Title (this should match the title in the video; If a new title is provided, it will be updated in the video)
All authors’ names, credentials, and affiliations in the order they should appear for the citation.
Contact information for the corresponding author(s)

Abstract (Optional, 100–200 words)

A brief summary of the case.

Case Overview (1,000–1,500 words)

A streamlined discussion of:

Condition Overview – Background on the surgical condition.
Procedure Summary – Key steps in the surgery.
Challenges & Adaptations – Notable difficulties and intraoperative decisions.
Clinical Significance – Why this case is relevant for education and practice.

References (5–10 sources recommended)

AMA Manual of Style.
Include DOIs where possible.

Statement of Consent

“The patient referred to in this video article has given their informed consent to be filmed and is aware that information and images will be published online.”

Key Differences from Full Text Articles:

More concise (~1,500 words vs. ~3,000 words).
Broader discussion rather than step-by-step detailing.
Easier readability for trainees.

Texts that do not fully meet the above requirements may still be considered if the procedure is unique, introduces a novel approach in current practice, or has exceptional educational value.

Author Inquiries

For any questions or concerns about the text article submission process, authors may contact the JOMI editorial team.

Video Submission Guidelines

Filming the Procedure

Authors have two options:

A. JOMI Production Team:

JOMI can handle all aspects of video production, including obtaining necessary hospital permissions and filming on-site.
B. Self-Filming:

Pre-Filming Consultation: Connect with JOMI prior to filming for guidance to ensure high-quality footage. Additional information is available at jomi.com/howtofilm.

Minimum Filming Requirements:

Live Narration: a live narration by the author or participating members is recorded during the procedure.
High-Quality Audio: Use a microphone and recording equipment to ensure clear audio. Recording onto a phone with a lavalier microphone or another audio device is acceptable.
Scope/Robotic Footage: If applicable, include high-resolution scope and/or robotic footage.
Introductory and Concluding Interviews: Film these interviews yourself or schedule a Zoom interview with a JOMI team member.
Technical Specifications: Edited footage must be rendered in high quality at 1080p or higher. Unedited footage should be recorded at 29.97 fps.

Video Editing / Post-Production

Authors have two options:

A. JOMI Editing:

The JOMI Video Department can handle video editing and animation production, working closely with authors to create a video optimized for education. Authors will have opportunities to provide feedback and review/approve edits.
B. Self-Editing:

Submission: Authors may submit edited videos adhering to JOMI specifications.

Minimum Edited Video Requirements:

Camera Angles: Use multiple cameras to ensure complete coverage including hands, point-of-view (POV), panoramic, and scope views.
Content Coverage: Film the procedure from incision to closure. The edited video should extensively cover the procedure, highlighting key steps. When omitting redundant content, prefer acceleration over hard cuts.
Narration: Full narration is required, preferably recorded live during the procedure. Postoperative narration is acceptable but not preferred due to time constraints.
Technical Specifications: Edited footage must be rendered in high quality at 1080p or higher. Unedited footage should be recorded at 29.97 fps.

Animations and Supplementary Materials

If appropriate, JOMI animators can create custom animations to complement surgical video articles, especially for procedures with complex anatomy or multiple intricate steps. These animations provide clear visual explanations of key surgical techniques, anatomical relationships, and procedural sequences that may be difficult to fully capture or understand through live footage alone.

By illustrating critical details in a precise and structured manner, they enhance comprehension and support a more effective learning experience. Developed in collaboration with authors, these animations ensure accuracy and seamlessly integrate with the surgical narration, making advanced procedures more accessible to medical professionals, trainees, and patients.

Authors are encouraged to include additional resources to enhance the educational value of their submission.

These can include:

Annotated Figures and Diagrams: Highlight key anatomical structures and steps of the procedure.
Visual Aids: charts, tables, and other graphics that support the manuscript. All supplementary materials must comply with copyright regulations. Authors are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions for any copyrighted content.

Copyright and Permissions

JOMI holds copyright on all published materials. Authors are responsible for ensuring that all supplementary materials are original, properly credited, and/or used with appropriate permissions. JOMI adheres to intellectual property laws and ethical publishing standards.

Use of Third-Party Figures and Visual Materials

Reproduced Figures: Any figure, diagram, or image directly duplicated from a published source requires explicit written permission from the copyright holder.
Adapted Figures: If modifying an existing figure, permission is generally still required, unless the modification is substantial enough to be considered a new, original work.
Redrawn Figures: Completely redrawn figures that do not closely resemble the original do not require permission but should include proper attribution.
Internet-Sourced Materials: Any non-original images found online require clear documentation of usage rights and permissions.

If a duplicate or near-identical figure is found in another published article, the author will be required to provide proof of permission before the submission can proceed. Failure to obtain permissions may lead to delays or rejection of the article.

Exclusive Rights to Published and Submitted Materials

All materials submitted to or published by JOMI, including, but not limited to, videos, figures, diagrams, and animations, are considered exclusive content and cannot be submitted or published elsewhere without JOMI’s written permission.

Authors must not republish, distribute, or submit their JOMI content to another journal.
Any material under consideration by JOMI must not be under review or previously published elsewhere.
Exceptions may be granted for preprints, and conference presentations, but only with explicit written approval from the JOMI editorial team.

Requesting Permission to Use JOMI Content

Videos, figures, diagrams, images, and animations published by JOMI are copyrighted and cannot be used, reproduced, or modified without prior written permission from JOMI. Anyone wishing to use visual material from a JOMI publication—whether for academic, research, or commercial purposes—must submit a formal permission request to editorial@jomi.com.

These policies ensure that JOMI maintains intellectual property integrity while supporting a transparent and ethical approach to academic publishing.

Quality Control and Peer Review

At JOMI, we uphold strict quality control measures to ensure the accuracy, clarity, and educational value of every published article. Each submission undergoes a comprehensive internal review, followed by expert peer review, prior to publication.

Internal Review

Once a video article and manuscript are submitted, JOMI’s editorial and video teams conduct an initial assessment to determine whether the submission meets the quality and educational standards. This process includes:

Technical Review: Ensure video clarity, completeness, and adherence to JOMI’s filming guidelines.
Manuscript Review: Check structure, accuracy, and whether the manuscript complements the video effectively.
Plagiarism Screening: All manuscripts undergo plagiarism detection using specialized software to ensure originality. Submissions containing duplicated, improperly cited, or previously published material may be returned for revision or rejected.
Editorial Decision: If revisions are needed, authors receive feedback for improvement. Submissions that do not meet JOMI’s standards may be returned for revision or rejected.

If approved, the submission proceeds to peer review.

Peer Review

A Peer Review Manager assigns two or more independent experts in the relevant surgical specialty to evaluate the submission. Peer reviewers assess the video, manuscript, and complementary materials as follows:

Surgical validity – Accuracy and appropriateness of the technique.
Educational value – Clarity and completeness for surgical training.
Manuscript coherence – Alignment with the video content.

Based on their assessment, reviewers recommend:

Accept – Ready for publication.
Minor Revision – Small improvements needed.
Major Revision – Significant changes required.
Reject – Not suitable for publication.

Authors incorporate revisions based on reviewer feedback until peer reviewers are satisfied.

Find the complete Peer Review Policy here.

This structured internal review and peer review process ensures that all JOMI publications meet the highest standards of technical accuracy, educational value, and surgical insight.

Corrections and Retractions

JOMI is committed to maintaining the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of its published content. If errors or significant updates are identified post-publication, they will be addressed as follows:

Minor Corrections (e.g., typos, formatting issues) will be made promptly without formal notification.
Substantive Changes (e.g., updates affecting clinical interpretation, methodology clarifications, or additional relevant information) will be documented in an “Addendum” section added to the text article.
Retractions will be considered in cases where content is found to be significantly flawed, misleading, or in violation of ethical publishing standards. These decisions will be made in collaboration with the editorial team and authors on a case-by-case basis, ensuring full transparency and accountability.

Feedback and Post-Publication Engagement

JOMI values the feedback and engagement of its readers and authors. Post-publication feedback can be sent to editorial@jomi.com.

We encourage authors and readers to provide comments, suggestions, and insights that can enhance the educational quality of the published content. Constructive feedback will be considered for future updates and corrections.

Conflict of Interest Policy

JOMI is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in its publication process. All authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could be perceived as influencing the content of their work. A conflict of interest exists when financial or personal relationships could affect or appear to affect the impartiality of the work being submitted.

Author Disclosure: Authors are required to disclose any financial interests, relationships, or affiliations with organizations that could be perceived as influencing the content of their article. This includes, but is not limited to, relationships with pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, or other entities relevant to the content of the surgical procedure described in the article.
Reviewer and Editor Disclosure: Reviewers and editors involved in the peer review process must also disclose any potential conflicts of interest to ensure impartiality in evaluating submitted manuscripts and video articles.
Managing Conflicts: If a conflict of interest is identified, the Editor-in-Chief will work with the author to ensure transparency. In some cases, it may be necessary to exclude a potential reviewer or editor from the evaluation process or take other measures to ensure objectivity.
Policy for the Review of Articles Authored by Editors and Editorial Board Members: JOMI employs a Peer Review Editor, who arranges for independent peer-review of content by experts in the field. Editors and Editorial board members are not allowed to participate in the peer-review process except as authors.

JOMI maintains complete editorial independence. Decisions regarding content selection, peer review, and publication are made without influence from sponsors, advertisers, or affiliated institutions. Editorial board members disclose conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from decisions when necessary.

We are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in medical publishing. We adhere to the publishing principles outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME). Additionally, JOMI follows the EQUATOR Network guidelines to promote transparent, structured, and high-quality reporting in surgical education.

Human and Animal Rights Policy

JOMI is committed to the ethical treatment of human and animal subjects involved in medical research and surgical procedures. All submissions involving human or animal subjects must adhere to the following guidelines:

Human Research: Authors submitting articles involving human participants must confirm that the study has been approved by an appropriate ethics committee or institutional review board (IRB). Informed consent must be obtained from all participants or their legal representatives, and this must be documented in the manuscript.
Animal Research: Authors submitting articles involving animal research must confirm that the study was approved by an appropriate ethics committee or institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC). The research must comply with relevant national and international guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals.
Ethical Standards: The journal adheres to the principles set out in the Declaration of Helsinki for human research and the guidelines established by relevant ethical organizations for animal research.

Informed Consent Policy

JOMI follows a strict informed consent process to ensure that all patients featured in video articles understand and voluntarily agree to participate. The JOMI Patient Consent Form grants explicit permission for the filming, publication, and distribution of surgical footage while outlining patients’ rights regarding privacy and anonymity.

Patients can choose to:

Remain anonymous, ensuring their name is not disclosed, though full anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
Waive privacy rights, allowing their identity, voice, and images to be associated with the procedure.
Be credited by name, if they wish to be acknowledged in the article.

By signing the consent form, patients authorize the hospital and JOMI to use the recordings for educational purposes, while retaining the right to revoke consent prior to publication. Participation is strictly voluntary, with no financial compensation provided. This process upholds ethical standards in medical publishing, ensuring transparency and respect for patient rights.

Data Sharing Policy

JOMI is committed to transparency, reproducibility, and accessibility while maintaining a subscription-based model. Full-text articles, including images, diagrams, and tables, are available to viewers regardless of subscription, while videos require an individual or institutional subscription for viewing.

JOMI encourages authors to include non-identifiable supplementary materials that enhance the educational value of their articles, such as preoperative imaging, and procedural schematics. Any patient-related data must be fully anonymized and comply with HIPAA, GDPR, and IRB regulations before submission.

Supplementary data that cannot be included in the article may be made available upon request at the discretion of the author. JOMI expects authors to ensure their materials comply with ethical and institutional guidelines.

For questions regarding data sharing, please contact editorial@jomi.com.

Advertising Policy

JOMI does not accept advertisements or sponsored content from any external entities. This policy ensures that all editorial and publishing decisions are made independently, maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and objectivity in surgical education.

By operating without advertising, JOMI prioritizes its mission to provide unbiased, high-quality educational content for the surgical community.

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