The time has come

John B. McGinty completes his term as chief medical editor, welcomes Douglas W. Jackson.

Issue: February 2003

ByJohn B. McGinty, MD

John B. McGinty, MD [photo] --- John B. McGinty, MD

It has been 10 years since I started writing a monthly editorial for Orthopedics Today. There have been a lot of words and a lot of time on controversial opinions, some of which have received considerable response on both sides of issues contemporary to the orthopedic surgeon.

I have tried to give one man’s opinion as a stimulus for thought without considering the political repercussions. Over 100 comments is probably too much for one man and certainly too much for readers. It is time for fresh viewpoints from younger spirits.

Douglas Jackson from Long Beach, Calif., will be taking over as medical editor this year. I have known Doug for many years, having worked with him frequently in arthroscopy education, in the Arthroscopy Association of North America and with the academy. He is a past president of the Arthroscopy Association, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

He has an international reputation as an educator and is well-known for his basic and clinical research. He is eminently qualified to assume the orthopedic leadership of this publication. I have no doubt that the publication will thrive and the readership will be stimulated under his leadership.

I pass him the baton with enthusiasm and wish him good fortune.

Orthopedics Today has grown considerably and has assumed the position of one of the widest read periodicals in orthopedics. It has been a most satisfying aspect of my career to participate in this growth. This success would not have been possible without the strong support of the leaders of SLACK Inc. and without the unswerving efforts of the staff. The reports have been generally excellent, and all are written by hard-working reporters with little editorial correction being necessary. Particular credit should go to the editors in chief, Kathleen Ogle and her successor, Kathy Holliman. Dr. Jackson is indeed fortunate to interface with such talented individuals.

No medical editor can do a decent job in a field with so many subspecialties without a sound editorial board. I have been blessed to have a board of experts who provided their insight and advice without delay or hesitation when asked, and even occasionally when not asked. Without that kind of assistance, the clinical reports, in many instances, would not have been as concise and informative as the readers anticipated.

I would like to express my appreciation to the current Editorial Board. Thanks to all and good luck to those remaining on Dr. Jackson’s Board.

Since the major parts of Orthopedics Today are in the clinical and research areas, and since orthopedics, as the rest of medical practice, has been faced with an increasing number of serious socioeconomic and political problems, I have concentrated my editorials in that area.

These problems have not gone away and, as a matter of fact, are getting worse.

I believe that part of the role of a periodical with the widespread readership of Orthopedics Today is to provide up-to-date information on these problems and to suggest approaches for their solution. It is only through our thoughtful approach, reasonable debate and collective action that we can find a satisfactory solution that will benefit the orthopedic community and its patients.

It has been a wonderful experience to be involved with this publication. I thank my friends and the specialty of orthopedics for their support.