How should you respond when you disagree with a reviewer, or when your manuscript is rejected?

In this episode of the Definitive Guide to Research series, the panel discusses how to navigate difficult journal reviews and editorial decisions. They share strategies for crafting respectful, scientific responses to reviewer comments, deciding when it is appropriate to push back on requested revisions, and addressing feedback that may be impractical or outside the scope of the research. The conversation also explores when authors should—or shouldn't—appeal a rejection, how to approach concerns about reviewer bias, and why challenging an editorial decision should generally be reserved for rare, well-justified circumstances.

This video is part of the “NASS' Definitive Guide to Successful Research: Writing, Reviewing, Publishing” series from NASS. New episodes will be released over the coming months, with select content available on YouTube.

Subscribe to NASS Anytime to be the first to access the full course as new sessions are released, including all YouTube content plus exclusive CME education available only through the platform: https://nassanytime.spine.org/

What does it take to build and manage a productive research team?

In this episode of the Definitive Guide to Research series, Andrew Schoenfeld, MD, MSc, Jonathan Grauer, MD, Rory Goodwin, MD, PhD, and Alan Daniels, MD discuss the roles that trainees, research coordinators, statisticians, and faculty collaborators can play on a successful research team. They also share practical approaches to integrating new team members, structuring research meetings, maintaining productivity, and managing team members who become unresponsive or underperform. The discussion offers practical perspectives on creating a collaborative, accountable research environment that keeps projects moving forward.

This video is part of the “NASS' Definitive Guide to Successful Research: Writing, Reviewing, Publishing” series from NASS. New episodes will be released over the coming months, with select content available on YouTube.

Subscribe to NASS Anytime to be the first to access the full course as new sessions are released, including all YouTube content plus exclusive CME education available only through the platform: https://nassanytime.spine.org/

What does academic productivity really mean—and how is it measured? In this episode of the Definitive Guide to Research series, Grace Xiong, MD, and Andrew Schoenfeld, MD, MSc discuss the key metrics used to evaluate academic success, including publication volume, research impact, authorship, mentorship, and scholarly influence. They also share practical strategies for building a balanced research portfolio, increasing the visibility of your work, negotiating academic expectations, and aligning your research efforts with your long-term career goals.

This video is part of the “NASS' Definitive Guide to Successful Research: Writing, Reviewing, Publishing” series from NASS. New episodes will be released over the coming months, with select content available on YouTube.

Subscribe to NASS Anytime to be the first to access the full course as new sessions are released, including all YouTube content plus exclusive CME education available only through the platform: https://nassanytime.spine.org/

Christopher M. Bono, MD presents the latest episode of NASS' Definitive Guide to Successful Research: What We are Looking for in Reviewers.

Andrew J. Schoenfeld, MD, MSC presents the latest episode of NASS' Definitive Guide to Successful Research: Why are Papers Rejected?

Nathaniel P. Brooks, MD

Karthik H. Madhavan, MD

Stephen Pirris, MD

Ernest E. Braxton, MD, MBA

Michael G. Fehlings MD, PhD, FRCS

Yi Lu, MD PhD

Rajiv Saigal, MD PhD

In this episode, Jamie Wilson, MD, FRCS, MSc interviews Christopher Ahuja, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FAANS and Michael Fehlings, MD, PhD, FRCSC, about the challenges of sustaining a research career alongside a demanding spine surgery practice. They discuss how long timelines for scientific discovery, frequent setbacks in research, and competing clinical responsibilities can contribute to burnout. The conversation highlights strategies for maintaining motivation, including focusing on incremental progress, setting meaningful milestones, and protecting time for work, family, and personal well-being.

Authors Preston Le, MD, and Dustin Anderson, MD, discuss their recent article, "Hip-Spine Syndrome: Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Considerations for Clinicians," with moderator Alex P. Michael, MD.

Read the full article here

Zeeshan Sardar, MD, MSc

Evan K. Johnson, DPT, MS, OCS

Santhosh Tomas, MD