Andrew R Forauer MD 2008 Eyler Editorial Fellow

The Eyler Editorial Fellowship program provided me with unique insight into the production of an academic medical journal.

I spent two weeks at the editorial offices of Radiology in Boston, MA, and was fortunate to be Dr Kressel's inaugural Eyler Fellow. The time there was well organized and struck a perfect balance between instruction, observation, and active involvement in the daily operations of the office. I observed how received manuscripts are efficiently evaluated for correct format and required materials, discussed reviewer assignment, peer-review and decision making, editorial review, and acceptance. I was fully immersed in these activities by Drs Kressel and Levine, and was able to make meaningful contributions to many of these functions.

Other highlights included participation in the weekly deputy editors meeting and learning how to critically read a manuscript outside of my own subspecialty. I developed an appreciation for how hard the Radiology staff works to accept and produce only the highest quality material.

At RSNA headquarters in Oak Brook, IL, the fellow observes the mechanics of how accepted manuscripts are transformed into a published article. There is a large staff that works together to produce our two high-quality journals. Copy editors put in an enormous effort to make the author's work the best, most efficient, and specific writing as possible. Graphics and production specialists take images, tables, and figures and transform them into the high quality artwork necessary for print reproduction.

I also visited the RadioGraphics editorial office in Bethesda, MD. Differences and similarities between the RSNA journals were discussed. I was introduced to RGXpress, a software program developed by the RSNA for on-line submission/review crafted to RadioGraphics format and educational mission. Dr. Olmsted and his staff were extremely gracious hosts who patiently shared their individual roles and how their timeline is closely linked to the RSNA Annual Meeting. The staff has a key role in coordinating the evaluation of hundreds of educational exhibits at the annual meeting. One of the highlights of the fellowship was serving as a panel reviewer at RSNA to help in the selection of specialty specific (Interventional Radiology) exhibits to invite for submission to RadioGraphics.

Throughout the experience, there is an emphasis on the quality of our journals; this literature represents our specialty's foundation and contribution to the practice of medicine. I also became aware of the ethical responsibility shared by all scientific editors and the variety of potential dilemmas that may confront them.

I hope to be a resource for my colleagues at Dartmouth and encourage the writing efforts of our Radiology residents. This was truly an exceptional experience in my career and my time spent with the staffs of the three offices will remain with me always.

Andrew R. Forauer, MD Associate Professor of Radiology Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Andrew R. Forauer, MD: 2008 Eyler Editorial Fellow

The Eyler Editorial Fellowship program provided me with unique insight into the production of an academic medical journal.