Post-Publication Discrimination and Racism: A Nail in the Coffin of Academic Medical Publishing

Abstract

Discrimination and racism and are deeply rooted in many aspects of the daily life activities in many societies. Academic medical publishing is not immune. There are many reports about pre-publication discrimination in academic medical publishing. This may be practiced at different levels. It may involve the editorial leadership, members of the editorial board and unfair peer review. This type of discrimination is reflected in the low number of accepted publications coming from the developing countries. Discrimination may manifest even after publication “post-publication”. This appears in the form of continuous harassment of authors by throwing accusations of scientific misconduct many years after publication of the original documents. This situation will never improve without serious actions. Authors who were exposed to post-publication discrimination /racism should be invited to suggest ideologies to fight this practice. A blacklist for those involved in these practices should become available to help editors avoid misleading claims. The editorial board of highly esteemed journals should include well known members from the developing countries with sound scientific conduct and established medical reputation.