How to perform a high-quality peer review

High-quality peer review is a cornerstone of credible and impactful scientific and medical publishing. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the best practices, responsibilities, and evaluation criteria for peer reviewers in clinical and translational research. By adhering to high standards of objectivity, rigor and professionalism, peer reviewers support the integrity of scientific research and contribute to the evolution of evidence-based medicine. We elaborate on the principles and structured processes that ensure a thorough, impartial review, aiming to guide reviewers in producing evaluations that enrich the scientific discourse and foster innovation in clinical practice.