How Peer Review Actually Works (And Why You Should Care)

Dawn Magnusson & Rachel Prusynski – PTJ Editorial Team

EPISODE SUMMARY:

Is peer review really that scary? This special CSM 2026 preview pulls back the curtain on academic publishing with two editors from PTJ. Whether you're a clinician, student, or early-career researcher, you'll learn how to start writing, reviewing, and contributing to the scholarly conversation in physical therapy.

Topics covered:

• Why PTs avoid peer review (and why they shouldn’t)
• The surprising benefits of being a reviewer
• Where new writers should start (even if they’re not researchers)
• How PTJ is creating a more inclusive publishing pipeline
• The emotional side of submitting your first article
• “Game time” insights from two seasoned editors

CSM Session Info:

Behind the Red Ink: Demystifying Peer Review and Empowering Emerging Scholars

Friday, February 13, 2026 | ???? 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Room 163, ACC North – Anaheim Convention Center

Sponsored by:

• Pre-roll: SaRA Health – https://sarahealth.com
• Mid-roll: Empower EMR – https://empoweremr.com
• Pre-parting shot: US Physical Therapy – https://usph.com