At this year’s AUA South Central Section Annual Meeting, I had the opportunity to direct a workshop on peer review for scholarly publication (Figure). In doing so, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the many benefits of participating as a peer reviewer. Without an effective peer review process, the quality and factuality of published scientific research would be deficient. With such a ubiquitous concern about the spread of misinformation on social media, the need for maintaining the integrity of our scientific publications could not be more relevant.

Figure. Dr Ricardo Gonzalez facilitating the peer review in scholarly publication workshop at the AUA South Central Section Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, on September 9, 2023.

Advantages of scholarly publication apply to the greater community and the authors. Novel research serves to inform the world of answers to medical questions, validate new therapies, document our experiences, and stimulate interest. Authorship can help open the gateway from medical school to residency and subsequently to fellowship; for many trainees, a publication can serve as a “capstone” to a research experience that can follow them throughout their career providing professional recognition. Publication serves to encourage promotion/tenure, expose job opportunities, facilitate grants, and foster networking with others.

Without a legitimate peer review process, the value and integrity of published scientific research could falter. Peer reviewers are needed to identify, validate, and potentially improve manuscripts that bring to light novel research and experiences. Conversely, peer reviewers can help protect the community at large from misinformation in scientific publication. The benefits of participating in the peer review process are no different than the benefits of scientific publication. Networking and professional recognition aside, participating in the peer review process can make you a better author by critically understanding what good research and manuscripts look like from the inside.

For those not familiar with the process, peer review can seem daunting and subjective. However, prospective reviewers should remember that their role is one to help identify good research and find ways to improve the presentation of the presented work. Feedback is structured, and mentored peer review is an excellent way to learn how to be constructive. Good science will always trump bad grammar, and peer reviewers can help authors most effectively by calling attention to where revisions are needed. Reviewers are asked to respect the scope of the manuscript; limitations of a study can be highlighted, but reviewers should not request a complete overhaul of study design. They should provide constructive feedback in a polite and impersonal tone. Peer reviewers are often chosen because of their expertise in certain topics, and field specifics should be provided to authors when the reviewers have particular insight. It helps to put yourself in the shoes of the authors; all would be grateful for up-front and timely feedback to improve the quality of their paper.

Getting involved as a peer reviewer is easy. The most direct way is to contact the publication and/or editorial staff of a journal to express interest. For the AUA family of publications, an introductory email should be sent to Jennifer Regala, Director, at JRegala@AUAnet.org with a list of topics you may be interested in reviewing. If you are currently in a training program, you can also reach out to a faculty member to express interest and inquire if they may be willing to help with mentored peer review.

The AUA offers a spectrum of publication platforms including The Journal of Urology^®, Urology Practice^®, AUANews, and JU Open Plus. Each has its own style, focus, and audience. Editors and reviewers can help a paper find its “home.” For example, peer reviewers for manuscripts submitted to The Journal of Urology^® can identify and redirect a submitted paper which may be better highlighted in another publication that may be more appropriate; the reviewers’ input can guide the editorial staff of the subsequent journal. Your feedback is vital to the quality and integrity of published works.