The Ultimate Guide to Citing Personal Communication in Vancouver Style

Introduction

Citing sources is an essential aspect of academic writing, as it ensures that proper credit is given to the sources of information used in the work. However, citing personal communication can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to using the Vancouver citation style. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to cite personal communication sources correctly in the Vancouver style.

Understanding Vancouver Style

The Vancouver style is a citation system that is commonly used in the field of medicine and biomedical sciences. It is a numeric citation style that uses superscript numbers in the text to indicate the source that the information was obtained from. The full citation is then listed in numerical order in the reference list at the end of the document.

Citing Personal Communications in Vancouver Style

Personal communications refer to non-published sources, such as emails, letters, interviews, and phone conversations. In Vancouver style, personal communications are cited within the text and are not included in the reference list.

When citing personal communication, the name of the person who provided the information should be included, along with the phrase “personal communication” and the date of the communication. For example, (J. Smith, personal communication, September 1, 2021). If the communication was not in writing but was a conversation, the phrase “verbal communication” can be used instead of “personal communication.”

Examples of Citing Personal Communications in Vancouver Style

• According to an interview with Dr. Brown (personal communication, October 3, 2021), the new treatment has shown promising results.
• As reported by J. Doe (verbal communication, September 20, 2021), the study sample was too small to draw any significant conclusions.
• In a letter to the editor (personal communication, June 15, 2021), R. Patel criticized the methodology used in the study.

Conclusion

In conclusion, citing personal communication sources in Vancouver style is a relatively simple process. It involves including the name of the person who provided the information, along with the phrase “personal communication” and the date of the communication, within the text. It is important to remember that personal communication sources are not listed in the reference list and should only be cited when there is no other published source available. By following the guidelines provided in this guide, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent with Vancouver style.