The International Journal of Medical Case Reports (IJOMCR), ISSN 2455-0574, indexed in EMBASE (Elsevier), follows a rigorous double-blind peer-review process for all submissions. The identities of authors and reviewers are kept mutually confidential throughout the review.

Review Process

1. Initial Editorial Screening. On submission of any manuscript — whether an original research article, systematic review, meta-analysis, case series, or case report — the Editor first assesses whether it falls within the stated aims and scope of the journal, meets basic standards of scholarly quality, and is structured and presented appropriately. Manuscripts that do not meet these minimum standards, or that fall outside the journal's scope, may be desk-rejected at this stage without external review.

2. Plagiarism Check. Manuscripts clearing the initial screening are checked for originality using plagiarism-detection software. Manuscripts found to contain plagiarised content, or evidence of redundant or salami publication, are rejected in accordance with the journal's plagiarism policy, and the authors are informed.

3. Double-Blind Peer Review. Manuscripts passing the above stages are assigned to at least two independent expert reviewers with relevant subject knowledge. Reviewers evaluate the manuscript for scientific validity, methodological soundness, originality, clinical or academic relevance, clarity, ethical compliance, and appropriate use of references. Author and reviewer identities are withheld from each other throughout.

4. Editorial Decision. On the basis of the reviewers' recommendations, the Editor communicates one of the following decisions to the corresponding author: accept; accept with minor revisions; major revisions required (with re-review); or reject. Where reviewers' opinions differ substantially, the Editor may seek an additional review before deciding.

5. Revision and Final Decision. Authors are expected to respond to reviewer comments point by point and to submit a revised manuscript within the stipulated time. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers for confirmation. The final decision to accept or reject rests with the Editor.

6. Acceptance and Publication. Accepted manuscripts proceed to copy-editing, typesetting, and proofing before publication. Article Processing Charges become payable only after acceptance. The editorial decision is based solely on the scholarly merit of the manuscript and is independent of payment.

Editorial Independence and Integrity

All editorial decisions are made solely on the basis of the scientific quality, validity, and relevance of the work, independent of the authors' nationality, institutional affiliation, or any commercial consideration. Any manuscript in which an editor has a competing interest is handled by another member of the editorial board, and the editor concerned is recused from all decisions relating to that manuscript. IJOMCR adheres to the peer-review and editorial-integrity standards of the ICMJE and COPE.