As we have mentioned before, we receive comments, suggestions, and questions from readers in various ways. We read many comment cards and e-mails from readers to keep up to date with their needs and ideas. One question we hear repeatedly is, “Do you accept case studies for publication in AFP?” Here’s the answer to that question, plus responses to a few other common questions.

Does AFP Publish Original Case Studies?

We welcome case study or case report submissions for the AFP “Letters to the Editor” department. Various types of case report letters will be considered:

• Those that discuss a “classic” presentation of an uncommon (although not extremely rare) diagnosis or a lesser-known aspect of a common disease. For an example, seehttps://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0315/p1062.html (Wegener’s Granulomatosis Presents as Pulmonary Infection).

• Reports that illuminate a less-known aspect of a common disease: something that would cause a reader to say, “I didn’t know that, but I’m glad I do now!” For an example, seehttps://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0715/p224.html (Parotid Enlargement as a Presentation of HIV Infection).

• It is also helpful if the case report includes diagnostic images or photos that unequivocally point to the diagnosis being discussed.

• A little humor never hurts. Sometimes being able to see the light-hearted side of life is a valuable break from routine. For an example of a not-so-serious case study, seehttps://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0115/p252a.html (Using a Metal Detector to Track a Swallowed Penny).

Case studies in tended for the Letters to the Editor department should be submitted via e-mail to afplet@aafp.org, or by regular mail to 11400 Tomahawk Creek Pkwy, Leawood, KS 66211–6272.

Other Common Questions

How do I submit an article to AFP?

Everything you need to know about submitting an article to AFP is outlined in the Authors Guide (https://www.aafp.org/afp/authors/). AFP publishes clinical review articles (not original research) and other types of articles specifically for regular departments. Guidelines for submitting clinical reviews and manuscripts for AFP departments are included in the Authors Guide.

Would you be interested in publishing an article on a particular topic?

Dr. Jay Siwek, AFP Editor, solicits articles based on a six-year curriculum that is established by AFP’s editors, with input from many sources. If you would like to write an article on a particular topic, it is best to send a query to Dr. Siwek first to determine whether that topic has already been solicited. You can send an e-mail to him at afpjournal@georgetown.edu. Please be sure to include specific information about your article idea. In addition, we appreciate suggestions for articles you would like to read in AFP. Please send all suggestions to afpedit@aafp.org.

Can I access the Patient Information Handouts online?

AFP’s Patient Information Handouts are available online with the article as they appeared in the printed journal. You can access them from the table of contents or from the first page of the article. However, these are available online for archival purposes only. Because medical information changes so rapidly, it is impossible to update every handout published in AFP. Therefore, we advise readers to access the Academy’s patient education Web site (https://familydoctor.org) for the most up-to-date information. Much of the information on that Web site originated in AFP, but it is routinely reviewed and updated.

Do You Have a Question, Comment, or Suggestion?

Feel free to mail the comment card included in the first issue of AFP each month. You also can send an e-mail to afpedit@aafp.org. We will try to respond to other frequently asked questions in this department in the future.