"How To" Paper Guidelines

The “How to” Paper: Guidelines for Authors

56^th AAEP Convention

Baltimore, Maryland, December 4-8, 2010

ALL papers must be submitted online by March 15, 2010, 3:00 p.m. ET.

To submit a paper, go to http://aaep2010.abstractcentral.com

“How to” papers are presented to describe and explain a technique or procedure used in equine veterinary medicine or the equine industry.  The technique should be relatively new or not widely understood or used in practice.  The goal of the “How to” paper is to give the equine veterinarians the information they need to critically evaluate the pros and cons of the technique and implement it in their practice if they choose.

“How to” papers can be patterned after a modification of the style for a Scientific Paper supporting a scientific presentation. Refer to “Instructions for Authors of Manuscripts” as you prepare your submission.

The title should begin with “How to …” and clearly identify the technique or procedure that will be presented.  A “Take Home Message” is not required for “How to” papers. The Introduction should include why you use the technique.  If there is a problem with the traditional methods or the currently used method can be improved, this should be explained.

The Materials and Methods section should explain exactly how the technique is performed so that another veterinarian familiar with the subject area could follow your example.  You may use a step-by-step method for the paper and the presentation.  All medications, supplies, and equipment used should be described using generic names.  Trade names and addresses of commercial products critical to the technique can be included in footnotes.

The Results section should include a summary of what happens when you use this technique.  The number of horses treated in this manner and an assessment of the outcome should be included.  You may use personal assertions or data to assert its value, but you must explain how you determined that the technique works.

In the Discussion section you can give your personal views as to why you think the technique works.  Discuss the pros and cons of your approach. Explain how the technique has helped you in your practice and why this should be important to your colleagues.  The end of the discussion should contain a summary of the technique and its advantages in the take home message.

Case selection and case follow-up should also be included.

As with any Scientific Paper, “How to” papers may be solicited by the Program Chair, but will be accepted by the Educational Programs Committee only after critical review.  The submission deadline and reimbursement will be the same as that for Scientific Papers.