A hardworking researcher may fail to publish his/her works if due to lack of skills needed
to develop the manuscript for publication in a medical journal. Skills of medical writing
would greatly facilitate publication of sound research work. The checklist for critical
appraisal of the paper would bring to light these glaring omissions easily. In the long run it
pays to master the trade rather than the tricks of the trade. Familiarity with scientific
writing is also required for clinicians and health professionals even if they are not actively
involved in carrying out research. Practicing clinicians keep abreast by reading the medical
journals which in turn influence their decisions regarding management options in care of
their patients. They should be able to critically appraise the published literature to reject
conclusions not based on sound scientific premises. As one gains seniority in the
profession, one may find oneself on the panel of reviewers of proposals for research or for
refereeing articles intended for publications. In all these situations, one needs a sound
knowledge of the fundamentals of scientific writing. This paper attempts to highlight the
core issues one should consider to make the attempt the best possible effort.