What We Publish

OFP encourages submissions from authors of all experience levels on topics related to the work and interests of osteopathic family physicians. The test for publication will always be whether it is immediately useful to the osteopathic family physicians who read OFP and contains an osteopathic component.  

If you would like input from OFP editors and staff before beginning your work, please email ofpeditor@acofp.org for help on how to tailor the topic to OFP's reader interests and prevent dual submission of manuscripts on the same topic.

To avoid a perception of bias, OFP does not consider articles sponsored indirectly or directly by the following: pharmaceutical company, a medical education company, or other commercial entity or those written by an author who has a financial relationship with an interest in any commercial entity that may have an interest in the subject matter of the article within the previous 36 months or foreseeable future.

Types of Articles Accepted and Departments

All articles must be submitted via OFP's online submission system, ScholarOne. OFP cannot consider articles submitted in other ways. If you are having trouble completing your submission, please contact us. 

Recommended limits on word count, number of references, and number of tables or figures for each section are listed below. Manuscripts that exceed these limits may be considered for publication; however, you may be asked to shorten your manuscript. Lengthy graphic elements and supplemental material may be published online only. 

If your manuscript includes a number of illustrations, graphs, or tables, try to adjust the manuscript text to compensate for the space these elements take up.

Evidence-Based Clinical Review Articles

Most articles in OFP are evidence-based clinical review articles.

  • Manuscripts should be based on solid research evidence and formatted to provide concise, helpful information with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of common, important diseases osteopathic family physicians encounter with an osteopathic component.
  • Approximately 1500 to 1800 words in length.
  • No more than 75 references (in AMA format) and 4 tables or figures.
  • A 250-word abstract, along with four to six keywords, is required as part of submission.
  • Must include 3-5 CME quiz questions.

Clinical Images

  • Cover concepts or subject matter essential to the osteopathic family physician. 
  • 1 or 2 medical images along with a brief synopsis of how the case presented.
  • 1–4 questions and approximately 1 page of education with reference to the image and questions.
  • No more than 20 references (in AMA format).

Brief Reports: Practice Management, Health Policy, Medical Education

  • Approximately 1,000 words in length.
  • No more than 35 references (in AMA format). 
  • A 250-word abstract and four to six keywords are required with submission.

Letters to the Editor

Osteopathic family physicians, faculty members at osteopathic medical colleges, osteopathic medical students, and others in the healthcare professions are encouraged to submit comments related either to articles published in the OFP or to the mission of the osteopathic medical profession. Letters submitted for publication in OFP should be fewer than 400 words in length, with a limit of one table or figure, six or fewer references, and no more than three authors.

Original Research

OFP does not currently publish original research.

Patient Education Handouts

Because of a high volume of submissions, Patient Education Handout submissions are on pause while OFP publishes those that have already been accepted.

Patient education handouts should provide basic information about topics relevant to osteopathic family medicine.  The information is meant to supplement discussion with a patient during an office visit.  The handouts should be written at a high school level, with the understanding that some patients may have limited knowledge of common medical terms. Examples: Melanoma and Ways to Prevent It , Migraines

  • Keep the handout short and concise (no more than two pages)
  • Use short sentences and short paragraphs
  • Focus on the key points necessary for the patient to know
  • Avoid medical jargon and terminology unless necessary
  • Organize information using headings
  • Use images when appropriate
  • Include up to date references in AMA format

Patient Education Handouts should include:

  • Brief background and definition of the topic
  • What actions can the patient take at home to monitor, control, or alleviate the problem?
  • What medications are used for the disease and why? i.e., discussion of the classes of drugs, why a doctor would put you on specific medications
  • Advice on basic patient interventions: i.e., rest, exercise, nutrition, salt, sugar in foods, etc.
  • Advice on when to call the doctor if concerned
  • List resources that can assist the patient to better understand the illness, providing links if appropriate.
  • Provide references (3-5): Only primary source journals are acceptable and should be cited in AMA format.