About the Journal

Focus and Scope

Medicinus serves as a platform for researchers, scholars, and professionals to share scientific ideas and studies in the field of health and medicine. The journal's primary objective is to advance evidence-based medicine and enhance patient care on a global scale.

As a peer-reviewed, open-access publication, Medicinus covers a broad spectrum of topics within health and medicine. This includes fundamental research, where investigations into genetics, molecular mechanisms, and physiology are explored. Translational research, aimed at bridging the gap between lab discoveries and practical applications, is a central focus. Clinical research, encompassing clinical trials, observational studies, and epidemiology, plays a vital role in shaping the journal's scope. Medicinus also addresses contemporary health challenges, such as emerging diseases, public health issues, healthcare policies, and global health disparities. The journal welcomes original research, comprehensive review articles, and intriguing case reports that contribute new insights and understanding to the field.

Peer Review Process

All manuscripts submitted to Medicinus undergo an initial editorial assessment to determine their suitability for the journal's aims and scope and their compliance with the journal's submission requirements. Manuscripts that pass this preliminary evaluation are subsequently subjected to a double-blind peer-review process, in which the identities of both the authors and reviewers are concealed from each other throughout the review process.

Each manuscript is evaluated through double-anonymous peer review by at least two independent reviewers with expertise relevant to the manuscript. Reviewers must be independent of the authors and must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Each manuscript is evaluated through double-anonymous peer review by at least two independent reviewers with expertise relevant to the manuscript. Reviewers must be independent of the authors and must disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

Reviewers are requested to provide an objective, constructive, and confidential assessment of the manuscript. The evaluation includes consideration of the originality and scientific significance of the study, the appropriateness of the methodology, the accuracy and interpretation of the results, the quality of the discussion and conclusions, the relevance of the references, the clarity of presentation, and the overall contribution to the field.

Reviewers complete an online Reviewer Evaluation Form through the journal's editorial management system. In addition to providing detailed comments and recommendations for the authors and editors, reviewers may recommend one of the following outcomes: acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection.

Following consideration of the reviewers' reports and recommendations, the Editor-in-Chief or designated handling editor makes the final editorial decision regarding the manuscript. Where revisions are required, authors are expected to address the reviewers' comments and provide a point-by-point response together with the revised manuscript. Revised manuscripts may be returned to the original reviewers for further evaluation when necessary.

The journal aims to communicate the initial editorial decision to authors within approximately one month after the manuscript has entered the peer-review process. The actual review period may vary depending on reviewer availability, the complexity of the manuscript, and whether additional expert review is required.

All manuscripts, reviewer reports, author responses, and editorial decisions are treated as confidential. Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and decline the invitation to review if they believe that their relationship with the authors, institutions, or subject matter could compromise the objectivity of their assessment.

The final decision regarding acceptance or rejection of a manuscript rests with the Editor-in-Chief or designated handling editor and is based on the scientific quality, originality, relevance, ethical integrity, and reviewers' evaluations of the manuscript.

Publication Frequency

February - June - October

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.  This access is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles in this journal without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.

Author Fees and Publication Charges Policy

This journal does not charge any author processing fees or article submission fees. There are no costs that the author is required to pay.

Author Self-Archiving Policy

This journal permits and encourages authors to post items submitted to the journal on personal websites and institutional or funder repositories after publication. The final published PDF version should be used and bibliographic details that credit the publication in this journal should be included.

Competing Interest Policy

A competing interest is anything that interferes with, or could reasonably be perceived as interfering with, the full and objective presentation, peer review, editorial decision-making, or publication of research or non-research articles" (with acknowledgement and thanks to PLoS).

Competing interests can be financial or non-financial, professional, or personal. Competing interests can arise in relationship to an organization or another person.

Declaring all potential competing interests is a requirement and is integral to the transparent reporting of research.

1) Authors must declare all relevant competing interests for consideration during the review process.

2) Editors (professional or academic, paid or unpaid) and reviewers must declare their own competing interests and if necessary recuse themselves from involvement in the assessment of a paper.

3) Anyone who comments on or rates published papers in Jurnal Kedokteran Medicinus must declare their competing interests at the time of posting their comments and/or rating.

Complaints Policy

Complaints should be sent via e-mail to the Editor-in-Chief at medicinus.fk@uph.edu. In your complaint, please clearly describe the nature, circumstances, and subject of the complaint. All complaints will be addressed promptly following the best practice in the ethics of scholarly journal publishing.

Copyright Policy

Authors retain the copyright to their work and grant Medicinus the right of first publication. All published articles are distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC-BY-SA 4.0), which permits others to share and adapt the work, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original author(s) and the initial publication in Medicinus is acknowledged, and that any derivative works are distributed under the same license.

Authors may enter into separate, additional non-exclusive agreements for the distribution of the published version of their work, such as depositing it in an institutional or subject repository, including it in a book or other scholarly work, or sharing it through other academic platforms, provided that the original publication in Medicinus is properly acknowledged.

Medicinus does not require authors to transfer copyright to the journal. Authors retain ownership of their published work while granting the journal the right to publish and disseminate the article as the version of record under the applicable Creative Commons license.

Ethics and Misconduct Policy

Jurnal Kedokteran Medicinus and its editors will take reasonable "steps to identify and prevent the publication of papers where research misconduct has occurred, including plagiarism, citation manipulation, and data falsification/fabrication, among others." In no case shall DeReMa or its editors "encourage such misconduct, or knowingly allow such misconduct to take place."

Researchers should be honest about their research. Researchers need to have a high ethical standard at all times during the research, in areas such as receiving funds for research, publishing research results, and fairly compensating participants. More specifically, research papers that are forged, altered, plagiarized, overlapped, and/or dishonest cannot be published either online or in journals and are not eligible for research funds

Forgery, Alteration, Plagiarism

  • Forgery: making up data or research results that do not exist.
  • Alteration: fabricating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing/deleting research results intentionally to distort research contents or results.
  • Plagiarism: using others' ideas, research (process and contents), and/or results without proper authorization or citation.

Overlap Publication and Dishonest Research

  • Publishing research papers that contain the same or similar contents to that which were/are published in other journals or books in the Society's memoir, or publishing research papers that are/were published in the Society's memoir in other journals or books.
  • Multiple or duplicate publications can be allowed after a review from the Publication Council if it is qualified under the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals (http://www.icmje.org).
  • Wrongful Research Paper Author Indication: either refusing to grant a qualification to publish (without proper reasons) to a person who contributed to science and/or technology with his/her research contents or results, or granting qualification to publish to a person who did not contribute to science and/or technology because of a wish to express appreciation or honor.

Who qualifies as an author?

All authors must have made a significant intellectual contribution to the manuscript according to the criteria formulated by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Each author should have participated sufficiently in work to take public responsibility for the content. Authorship credits should be based only on substantial contributions to (a) conception and design, or analysis and interpretation of data; (b) drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; and (c) final approval of the version to be published.

Participation solely in the acquisition of funds or the collection of data does not justify authorship. General supervision of the research group is not sufficient for authorship. The role played by each author should be described on the cover page (e.g., in planning and/or conducting the study, collecting and/or interpreting data, and/or drafting the manuscript). The corresponding author is responsible for all aspects of the manuscript.

 In the event that we are made aware of any allegation of research misconduct relating to a published article, we will follow COPE's Guidelines for dealing with allegations. [With acknowledgement and thanks to DOAJ.]

Advertising Policy

As a prominent publisher in the field of Science, Technology, and Medicine (STM), we cater to the marketing and educational initiatives of numerous corporate entities on a global scale.

Informed Consent Policy

The core principle emphasizes the unassailable rights inherent to every individual, which must be upheld without infringement. This concept extends to research participation, where individual subjects retain the authority to determine the destiny of their identifiable personal data, spoken disclosures made during studies or interviews, and any captured visual documentation. This principle gains particular prominence in cases involving potentially susceptible groups, like minors, patients, refugees, or instances marked by sensitive subject matter. The inclusion of visuals frequently mandates obtaining written consent, ensuring adherence to ethical considerations.

In disseminating research findings, exercising prudence and refraining from revealing details that could lead to identification is imperative. This encompasses elements like names, birthdates, identity numbers, and biometric traits (such as facial features, fingerprints, writing style, voice patterns, DNA). Nonetheless, exceptions are granted when such information is integral to scholarly intent and explicit written consent has been obtained from participants, their legal guardians (in cases of minors or those deemed incapable), or authorized representatives. Ensuring complete anonymity proves intricate in certain instances, particularly when detailed portrayals inadvertently unveil identities. In cases where information is adequately anonymized and visual representations that might reveal identity are omitted, the need for consent might be mitigated.

In situations marked by uncertainty, prudent action involves seeking informed consent for publication. For instance, solely obscuring the eye region in participant photographs falls short of ensuring anonymity; significant alterations to identifying features, such as in the context of genetic profiles, necessitate assurance that the intended meaning remains unaltered.

Specific exceptions exist where consent need not be pursued: (1) Instances involving particular medical images, like X-rays, laparoscopic images, ultrasound images, brain scans, and pathology slides, do not inherently demand consent unless concerns about identification arise; in such scenarios, obtaining consent becomes imperative. (2) The reuse of images from previous publications is predicated on the assumption that requisite consent was procured in the initial publication. Authors bear the responsibility of appropriately attributing republished images.

Research Ethics Policy

To create a strong scientific network, it is essential to maintain the credibility of published research by diligently following research ethics. Authors should take into account the subsequent recommendations when submitting their manuscripts:

In scientific research, authors must ensure their contributions are substantial and original. They should avoid plagiarism by properly attributing and citing the work of others. Editors may ask for access to raw data to promote transparency in the research process.

Simultaneous submission of the same research to multiple journals is prohibited. Any potential conflicts of interest between authors and external institutions must be disclosed to maintain transparency. 

Authors should also acknowledge any limitations within their work that may potentially mislead or introduce bias. In studies involving human subjects, obtaining written informed consent is crucial. 

Additionally, researchers should clearly state if hazardous materials or procedures were used in their study, as well as whether human or animal subjects were involved.

Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement

Medicinus is committed to maintaining high standards of publication ethics and integrity. The journal follows internationally recognized principles of ethical scholarly publishing and refers to guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in addressing ethical concerns, publication misconduct, corrections, and retractions.

1. Editorial Integrity and Peer Review

  • Fair and Impartial Evaluation: Manuscripts submitted to Medicinus are evaluated solely on their academic merit, originality, methodological quality, relevance to the journal's scope, and contribution to the field. Editorial decisions are made without discrimination based on an author's gender, nationality, institutional affiliation, religious belief, political view, or other personal characteristics.

  • Double-Blind Peer Review: Manuscripts that pass the initial editorial assessment are evaluated using a double-blind peer-review process, in which the identities of the authors and reviewers are concealed from one another. Each eligible research manuscript is reviewed by at least two independent reviewers with appropriate expertise in the subject area.

  • Confidentiality: Editors, reviewers, and editorial staff must treat submitted manuscripts and all associated materials as confidential. Information contained in a manuscript must not be disclosed or used for personal or professional advantage before publication.

2. Authorship and Originality

  • Authorship Criteria: Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data; drafting or critically revising the manuscript; and approval of the final version. All authors should agree to be accountable for the integrity of the work.

  • Author Approval: All listed authors must have reviewed and approved the submitted manuscript and agreed to its submission to Medicinus.

  • Originality: Authors must ensure that their submissions represent original work and have not been published previously, except where appropriate disclosure and justification are provided. All sources, data, ideas, and previously published material used in the manuscript must be appropriately cited.

3. Plagiarism and Duplicate Publication

  • Plagiarism: Medicinus considers plagiarism, including inappropriate copying, unattributed use of text or ideas, and substantial similarity with previously published work, to be a serious breach of publication ethics. Manuscripts may be screened using plagiarism-detection software. Manuscripts found to contain unacceptable plagiarism may be rejected, and published articles may be corrected or retracted where appropriate.

  • Duplicate and Redundant Publication: Manuscripts should not be submitted simultaneously to more than one journal. Authors must disclose any closely related manuscripts that have been published, submitted, or are under consideration elsewhere. Redundant or duplicate publication without appropriate disclosure is not permitted.

4. Data and Image Integrity

  • Data Integrity: Authors are responsible for the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the data reported in their manuscripts. Fabrication, falsification, inappropriate alteration, or selective manipulation of data constitutes research misconduct.

  • Image Integrity: Images, figures, graphs, and other visual materials must accurately represent the original data. Adjustments to images are permitted only when they do not alter the scientific meaning of the information presented. Any substantive image processing or modification should be appropriately disclosed.

  • Availability of Data: Authors may be requested to provide underlying data, documentation, or other supporting materials when necessary to verify the integrity of the research.

5. Conflicts of Interest

  • Disclosure: Authors, reviewers, editors, and editorial board members must disclose any financial, personal, professional, academic, institutional, or other interests that could reasonably be perceived as influencing their judgment.

  • Editorial Recusal: Editors must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts in which they have a conflict of interest. Such manuscripts should be assigned to another qualified editor who can manage the review process independently.

6. Research Ethics and Ethical Oversight

Research involving human participants, identifiable human data, or biological materials must comply with applicable ethical standards and should obtain approval from an appropriate institutional or research ethics committee when required.

Authors should provide relevant ethical approval information, including the name of the approving institution or committee and approval number where applicable.

Research involving human participants must obtain informed consent where required. For case reports or other publications containing potentially identifiable patient information, appropriate consent for publication should be obtained.

Research involving animals must comply with relevant institutional, national, and international standards for the ethical care and use of animals.

7. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

  • Corrections: If significant errors or inaccuracies are identified after publication, Medicinus will issue an appropriate correction or other post-publication notice.

  • Retractions: Articles may be retracted when there is reliable evidence of research misconduct, unreliable findings, plagiarism, duplicate publication, unethical research, or other serious breaches of publication integrity.

  • Expressions of Concern: Where concerns are substantial but an investigation has not yet reached a definitive conclusion, the journal may publish an expression of concern when appropriate.

Corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern will be handled transparently and, where applicable, in accordance with COPE guidance.

8. Editorial Independence

The Editor-in-Chief, handling editors, and Editorial Board of Medicinus exercise independent editorial judgment. Decisions regarding manuscript acceptance, revision, or rejection are based on scientific quality, originality, relevance, ethical integrity, and peer-review recommendations.

Editorial decisions must not be influenced by commercial interests, advertising arrangements, institutional pressure, sponsorship, or other inappropriate external considerations.

9. Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers are expected to:

  • provide objective, constructive, and evidence-based assessments;

  • evaluate manuscripts within their areas of expertise;

  • maintain strict confidentiality;

  • disclose potential conflicts of interest;

  • decline review assignments where impartiality cannot be assured;

  • identify relevant published work that may have been overlooked;

  • refrain from using unpublished information obtained through peer review for personal or professional advantage; and

  • complete reviews within the agreed timeframe whenever possible.

10. Research and Publication Misconduct

Medicinus takes allegations of research and publication misconduct seriously. Misconduct may include, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;

  • fabrication or falsification of data;

  • inappropriate manipulation of images;

  • duplicate or redundant publication;

  • inappropriate authorship;

  • undeclared conflicts of interest;

  • unethical research;

  • peer-review manipulation; and

  • citation manipulation.

When allegations of misconduct arise, the journal may request clarification or supporting information from the authors and, where appropriate, communicate with relevant institutions. Actions will be determined according to the nature and severity of the concern and may include rejection, correction, retraction, or other appropriate measures.

11. Complaints and Appeals

Authors, reviewers, readers, or other parties may submit complaints concerning editorial procedures, publication ethics, research integrity, or other aspects of the journal's operation to the Editorial Office.

Authors may also appeal editorial decisions when they believe that a significant error occurred during the editorial or peer-review process. Appeals should provide a clear explanation and supporting evidence. Appeals will be reviewed independently whenever possible and will not automatically result in reconsideration or acceptance of the manuscript.

All complaints and appeals will be handled objectively, confidentially, and in accordance with the journal's established procedures.

Medicinus is committed to promoting responsible scholarly communication, protecting the integrity of the scientific record, and continually improving its editorial and publication practices in accordance with recognized standards of publication ethics.

 

Journal History

Medicinus is the official scholarly journal of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan, and was established in 2007. The journal provides a platform for the dissemination of peer-reviewed research and scholarly work in the fields of medicine and health sciences.

Medicinus publishes research addressing basic, translational, clinical, and applied aspects of medicine and health sciences. The journal welcomes original research articles, review articles, case reports, and other scholarly contributions that provide relevant scientific and clinical insights.

All eligible manuscripts undergo a rigorous editorial assessment and double-blind peer-review process before publication. Medicinus operates under an open-access publishing model, providing immediate and unrestricted access to its published content.

The journal is published three times a year, with issues scheduled for February, June, and October.

Medicinus is indexed, tracked, or discoverable through several scholarly information services and databases, including Crossref, OCLC WorldCat, OAIster, ResearchBib, BASE, Indonesian OneSearch, and Google Scholar.

Print ISSN: 1978-3094
Online ISSN: 2622-6995

Editorial Office Email: medicinus.fk@uph.edu