Jacob Sosna MD 2006 Eyler Editorial Fellow

During my two weeks in the Radiology office in Richmond, Virginia, I saw the immense effort that Dr. Proto exerts to ensure quality. I functioned as a deputy editor with a variety of chores. I intentionally reviewed manuscripts mainly outside of my own subspecialty (abdominal imaging). This enabled me to focus my evaluation on the study design, scientific presentation, and importance of findings in each paper, and limited the risk of bias due to “technical” subspecialty-related issues.

I was also presented with real-time ethical issues and was asked for my opinion on possible redundant data presented in a submitted manuscript that had significant similarities to a previously published article.

During my day stay with Dr. Olmsted at the RadioGraphics editorial office in Bethesda, Maryland, I was introduced to the selection process of materials for publication, with the yearly cycle starting and ending at the annual RSNA meeting in November. One of my surprises was the vast amount of online resources published by the RSNA, including SAM modules and online CME exams. I think that every practicing radiologist needs to be familiar with these resources, which have immense practical value.

During my visit to the Oak Brook, Illinois, Publication Department, I saw the final steps of turning a document into a printed article. The copy editors pay attention to every fine detail, ensuring that quality reaches the level of perfection. Once the manuscript is ready to be printed, it is sent to the printing company, where it is printed within a few days.

If I had to summarize the fellowship in one phrase, I would say that I learned the importance of thoroughness and of striving for perfection in publication. This experience is not limited to a single specialty, but rather has wide application in all the medical disciplines. After returning to Israel, I immediately began to take steps that would enable me to share my experience with my peers. I have already started to assemble a course in publishing at the Hebrew University–Hadassah Medical School. This course would be aimed at the assembly and review process in publishing and not at the level of research, which is rightfully addressed in other venues. The transition from research to publication needs to be learned, especially by young academics. I also plan to give a dedicated Radiology Journalism session at the Israeli Radiological Association annual meeting.

I thank Drs. Proto and Olmsted for their kind and friendly hospitality and for making me work hard during the fellowship. I also thank Debbie Hogan, Cindy Rogers, and Roberta Arnold for their special attention during the visits to Richmond, Bethesda, and Oak Brook. I think that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that would benefit every academic radiologist.

Jacob Sosna, MD Director, 3D Imaging Laboratory Director, Experimental CT Laboratory Senior Lecturer, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center Jerusalem, Israel Part-Time Lecturer, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School, Boston

Jacob Sosna, MD: 2006 Eyler Editorial Fellow