Kimberly Applegate, MD, MS: 2000 Eyler Editorial Fellow

The editorial fellowship allowed me to understand the editorial process from the time a manuscript arrives in the Radiology or RadioGraphics office to its publication in a journal issue. It is a complex process involving many people and skills. I have great respect for these dedicated people who perform many tasks unseen by readers of our journals. In doing this fellowship, I wanted to become a more knowledgeable editor, manuscript reviewer, author, and reader of the Radiology literature. Along the way, I learned a number of other interesting things about research, ethics, journalism, the practice of Radiology, and the potential of electronic media being incorporated into the publication of Radiology and RadioGraphics. 

This fellowship was an enriching experience in many ways. I learned a great deal from each segment of the experience, as well as from my non-North American co-Fellow, Dr Stephan Grampp. One of the things I most enjoyed was the opportunity to have direct mentorship from dedicated, outstanding editors in Drs Anthony Proto and William Olmsted. Dr Proto provided many insights into the editorial work and decision making, the ethics of publication, and personal communications in dealing with authors, reviewers, and office staff. He involved us in his day-to-day work when questions from reviewers and authors came into the office. He would ask what we would do in a certain situations while maintaining confidentiality. While at the Radiology editorial office, in Richmond, Va, I took a "field trip" to the Cadmus printing facility. It was invaluable in that it helped me to understand better the reasons for certain publication practices, printing schedules, costs, and current trends in practice from hard copy to electronic manipulation of the figures, tables, and graphics. 

While at the RadioGraphics editorial office, I observed Dr Olmsted's boundless enthusiasm for the journal. He described the selection of educational material at the RSNA meeting, how manuscripts are processed, and differences between the goals, format, and production of RadioGraphics and those of Radiology. 

At the RSNA headquarters, I enjoyed demonstrations and discussions about the advertising, electronic publishing, copyrights, figure and table sizing/formatting, and copyediting issues of journal publication. The managing editors discussed their philosophy and roles in interacting with the Radiology and RadioGraphics editorial offices. I valued the exchange of information and sharing of ideas in a very open format, and the professional attitudes and extensive experience of the RSNA staff. Now, I have a deep appreciation for the editorial publication process for Radiology and RadioGraphics.