The Many Paths to Presenting a Case Report in Consultant

One of the defining features of Consultant has always been its commitment to presenting real-world clinical experiences in ways that are both practical and engaging for primary care clinicians. Case reports sit at the heart of that mission. They capture the nuances of patient care, highlight diagnostic challenges, and remind us that medicine is often more art than algorithm. What makes our journal unique is not just that we publish case reports—it is the diversity of the ways in which we present them.

In this issue, for example, readers will encounter case-based learning in multiple formats, each tailored to a different clinical and educational purpose.

• What’s the Take Home? This format emphasizes clinical reasoning and pearls that can be readily applied in practice. In this month’s feature, a 73-year-old man with febrile illness offers a reminder of the value of synthesizing history, physical findings, and subtle diagnostic cues into meaningful teaching points. Read it here.

• Photoclinic. This case report includes striking visual findings that demand immediate recognition. In the current issue, the incidentally detected bilateral bladder-containing inguinal hernias remind us of the importance of imaging interpretation and how “incidental” findings may shape clinical management. See the case.

• Case in Point focuses on the broader implications of a case, often extending beyond the immediate diagnosis. The report on prediabetes as a risk factor for infectious complications following transrectal prostate biopsy invites clinicians to think critically about comorbidities and patient safety. Read more.

• What’s Your Diagnosis? This case report with an interactive challenge encourages readers to test their diagnostic acumen. This issue’s case of sore throat after ingestion of an unknown substance demonstrates how clinical problem-solving often begins with incomplete information. Take the challenge.

Although these formats differ in structure—whether they emphasize a clinical pearl, a diagnostic image, a broader systems-level question, or a mystery to be solved—they share a common goal: to sharpen the clinical skills of our readers and to advance patient-centered care. This variety also reflects the reality of primary care itself, where no two cases are alike and where learning takes place in many different ways.

For prospective authors, this diversity of formats also means there are multiple avenues to share your experiences. Whether you have an unusual image, a complex case with broad implications, or a straightforward clinical lesson, Consultant provides a home for your work. To guide you, we offer detailed case report templates, which outline best practices for structuring and submitting your manuscript.

As you read this issue, I encourage you to notice not only the clinical insights within each report but also the distinct storytelling approaches they embody. Together, they showcase the richness of case-based learning and the many ways we can all contribute to the conversation.