This issue debuts Clinician Reviews in its new, expanded format. Several months ago, when Group Publisher Gary Falcetano, PA-C, announced that Clinician Reviews was being redesigned, I was—as many of you may be now—concerned about this publishing decision. I was concerned that the change in format would lead to less quality in a publication that has been innovative and continually meeting the needs of practicing PAs and NPs. I am now convinced that is not the case. In fact, the larger format will enable us to do more.
Medical publishing has been revolutionized in the past decade. With the explosive growth of online publishing, the Internet, and the advent of electronic printing technology, it is critical that the most recent medical articles, health care news, and professional updates be published as soon as possible. The editors and reviewers of Clinician Reviews will continue to work hard to fill each page, each issue with accurate, relevant, and instructive information for NPs and PAs. Since not every word on every page is of equal interest to all readers at all times, a format that helps readers quickly spot what they want to scrutinize, skim, skip, or save is essential. I believe this new format will meet these challenges and enhance the integrity and quality of the journal.
Please take the time to turn every page of this issue and enjoy reading all of the high-quality clinical content that you have trusted for 17 years. You’ll find your favorite departments: Clinical Pearls, DermaDiagnosis, Literature Monitor, ECG Challenge, Radiology Review, and Malpractice Chronicle. And this month’s CE activity, “Office-Based Spirometry,” written by Gwen Carlton, is a strategic follow-up to our November CE article, “Key Messages in the New Asthma Guidelines,” which strongly endorses spirometry as the “gold standard” for diagnosis and monitoring of asthma (as well as other respiratory conditions). “Spirometry is underutilized in primary care,” says Carlton, “because most providers are not taught how to obtain and interpret results in their training programs.” With minimal training, PAs and NPs can administer this test and give more accurate diagnoses, provide effective management, and make appropriate referrals.
In keeping with our commitment to advocate for and serve the NP and PA professions, Clinician Reviews now will also feature professional news and information relevant to your practice. For instance, this month’s lead news article discusses why you need to keep informed about, and be an active participant in, your state and national legislative issues. To quote AAPA’s Ann Davis, “If you don’t participate, then you are at the mercy of those who choose to—and they may not make decisions that you like.”
It is my wish that we use Clinician Reviews as a vehicle to share medical information and experiences with our peers to enhance and enrich our opportunities to be better clinicians. I look forward to your partnership in making that happen. I encourage you to send us your comments about the new format and other suggestions you might have to editor@clinicianreviews.com.
Clinician Reviews began in 1990 as the only publication serving both physician assistants and nurse practitioners—and it still is.