Role of the manuscript reviewer

Peh WCG, Ng KH
Correspondence: Prof Wilfred CG Peh, smj.editor@sma.org.sg

ABSTRACT
The manuscript reviewer is a key player in the manuscript processing system and journal publication process. The peer review system is an important component of modern scientific publishing, and is a great help to editors in deciding whether or not a submitted manuscript is suitable for publication. The reviewer’s responsibilities include protecting the integrity of his or her speciality or subspecialty, the reputation of the scientific journal, and the welfare of human and animal subjects, as well as treating the author’s manuscript with respect, fairness and impartiality. The manuscript review should ideally be done in a systemic manner, with components comprising a brief summary and a tabulation of the manuscript analysis under the major headings of strengths, weaknesses, general comments and specific comments.

Keywords: manuscript processing, manuscript review, manuscript submission, medical writing, peer review, scientific paper
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(10): 931-934