Over the past 4 years, The Ochsner Journal has experienced a number of achievements and has grown significantly. The Journal is indexed in PubMed Central, giving our authors' work unprecedented visibility. The table below documents the increases in manuscript submissions and printed pages over this period.
The Ochsner Journal is a quarterly publication, and this issue continues our recent pattern of alternating a themed issue (such as the superb translational research issue published last quarter) with general submissions. This issue begins with 2 editorials: one on an early career experience with locum tenens and one on patient-centered care. These contributions are followed by a variety of original articles and then a series of case reports. In addition to highlighting unusual cases, these articles provide many of our trainees with their first opportunity for peer-reviewed publication. The Editorial Board has also experimented with newer sections such as Advancing Evidence-Based Practice and, in our online issue (www.ochsnerjournal.org), featured contributors. A new quarterly column debuts in this issue: Clinical Images. This radiology-based case report includes high-quality imaging and will be of interest to a variety of practitioners.
To enhance the Journal's educational value, a note after each article identifies the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Medical Specialties Maintenance of Certification competencies that each article addresses.
As part of the Journal's evolution, electronic activities are increasing. A number of forces are pushing this transition, including the availability of newer and more effective electronic tools. An electronic table of contents is distributed via email, and article downloads at the Journal's PubMed Central website (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/journals/1521/) have increased to an average of 33,216 per month. The appeal of bookcases filled with hard copies of journals experienced by our senior readers is not shared by our younger colleagues. They are more comfortable with and prefer electronic options. To accommodate their interests and maintain our stewardship of Ochsner resources, past and current issues of The Ochsner Journal are available and searchable at our website and at the PubMed Central site.
Also, an important 2013 initiative is to transition many print subscribers to electronic delivery. This change will provide significant cost savings and reflects how clinicians now access information. The illustrated electronic table of contents—containing links to all articles and features—will be emailed to all e-subscribers each quarter. In addition, the website will be optimized for mobile devices to make the content easier to read on smart phones and tablets. Print copies will still be available for subscribers who prefer them, but to continue receiving hard copies readers must opt in by completing the prepaid reply card attached to the Spring 2013 issue of the Journal.
The Editorial Board and staff are committed to improving the Journal and supporting Ochsner's missions of patient care, education, and research. Input is important in accessing our progress, and I encourage feedback from all our readers.
- © Academic Division of Ochsner Clinic Foundation
