SUBMIT YOUR OWN STORY

With a goal to amplify stories that preserve dignity, deepen empathy, and remind us to see the person behind the diagnosis, please submit your own story. Here's an example:

MedSpeak Humanities Press: Story Submission Guidelines
Patient-Centered Care Narratives

We invite clinicians, caregivers, patients, and students to share brief narratives that highlight patient-centered care in action. To protect privacy, ensure ethical integrity, and maintain consistency, please follow these guidelines:

1. Word Count
Submissions should be 500–1,000 words. Concise, focused stories are preferred.

2. No Identifiable Patient Information (HIPAA Compliance)
Do not include:

• Patient names (real or initials)

• Exact dates (use general timeframes, e.g., “several years ago”)

• Specific locations (avoid naming hospitals, clinics, or towns)

• Unique identifiers (rare conditions, occupations, or details that could reveal identity)

3. De-identification Requirement
All stories must be fully de-identified. Consider altering non-essential details (age range, setting, sequence of events) to further protect anonymity while preserving the core message.

4. No Defamation or Harmful Content
Do not include statements that could be interpreted as defamatory toward individuals, institutions, or organizations. Focus on insight and learning rather than blame.

5. Consent and Ethical Responsibility
If your story is based on a real individual, you must ensure that:

• The narrative is sufficiently anonymized or

• You have obtained appropriate consent (if applicable)

6. Focus on Patient-Centered Care
Stories should highlight themes such as:

• Respect for patient dignity

• “What matters to the patient”

• Communication, empathy, or advocacy

• Lessons learned in care delivery

7. Tone and Purpose
Write in a reflective, respectful tone. Submissions may include challenges, but should ultimately contribute to understanding, growth, or improved care.

8. Original Work Only
Submissions must be your original writing and not previously published elsewhere (unless clearly disclosed and permission is granted).

9. Editing and Publication Rights
By submitting, you grant MedSpeak Humanities Press the right to:

• Edit for clarity, length, and style

• Publish the work in print, digital, or educational formats

• Use excerpts for promotional purposes
  (Authors will be credited unless anonymity is requested.)

10. No Medical Advice
Submissions should not provide specific medical advice or treatment recommendations. These narratives are for educational and reflective purposes only.

11. AI Transparency (if applicable)
If AI tools were used in drafting or editing your submission, please disclose this. Final responsibility for accuracy and integrity remains with the author.

12. Submission Format

• Include a title

• Submit in Word or plain text

• Optional: brief author bio (50–75 words)

13. Copyright and Author Responsibility
By submitting a story, you affirm that the work is your original creation and that you retain full copyright ownership. You grant MedSpeak Humanities Press a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to edit, publish, and use the submission in print, digital, and promotional formats with appropriate attribution.

You further confirm that your submission complies with all applicable laws and ethical standards, including privacy and confidentiality requirements. You agree that you are solely responsible for the content and that MedSpeak Humanities Press is not liable for any claims arising from your submission, including but not limited to breaches of confidentiality, defamation, or misrepresentation.

14. HOLD HARMLESS You agree to indemnify and hold harmless MedSpeak Humanities Press and its affiliates from any claims, damages, or legal actions arising from your submission. 

With a goal to amplify stories that preserve dignity, deepen empathy, and remind us to see the person behind the diagnosis, please submit your own story.