From the editor
From the Editor
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, July 1, 2019
Happy New Year! Those of us in academic medicine run on a somewhat different calendar than does the rest of the world. We fondly say our goodbyes to our graduating residents and by July 1, welcome our new recruits. They seem to be getting younger every year, but I remain in total awe of their enthusiasm, their dedication to their chosen professions, and their extraordinary competence. Residents today seem to know more than just medicine. Many of them arrive at our door already well equipped with research skills; some have expertise in public or global health, and they plan to use these skills to advance our field and better the world. I have every confidence that they will succeed, and I know our specialty is being set up for future success.
In the spirit of endings and new beginnings, we took the opportunity this month to reminisce a bit about the “good old days.” My residents show infinite patience when I inflict upon them stories of how we did things “back then.” Yes, we really did do Tzanck preps on blisters and gram stains on pustules and we came in on weekends to give phototherapy to our inpatients receiving Goeckerman treatment for psoriasis, never dreaming that someday a simple (albeit rather pricey) injection would replace our beloved tar. I hope you will enjoy hearing from some of our esteemed colleagues as they reflect on how the practice of dermatology has changed over the past few decades. Some changes are good, others maybe not so good, but all definitely worthy of reflection.
As we hopefully embrace change and benefit from the many opportunities that it affords, it is important that we be mindful of potential harm and unintended consequences that may result. Electronic health records, for example, when used well, offer the promise of improved health communication, but at what cost? Read contributing writer Ruth Carol’s thought-provoking article on distracted doctoring to learn more about the darker side of electronic devices in medicine. I was also very inspired to read this month about the laudable efforts put forth by Drs. Brad and Sandra Marchese Johnson, who have taken the task of “going green” to a new level in designing the first LEED-certified medical clinic in Arkansas. The unpredictable and volatile weather alone should convince even the most cynical among us that climate change is a real and imminent threat. Many of our colleagues have been impacted by natural disasters, ranging from wildfires to hurricanes and catastrophic flooding. I’m proud to see some of our own doing their best to make a difference and hope that more of us will be similarly inspired.
And happy birthday, JAAD! We appreciate the innumerable hours of largely uncompensated effort our colleagues put into producing this and other stellar medical journals. I cannot imagine how we would all stay current on our medical knowledge without JAAD, and I appreciate the efforts Drs. Dirk Elston, Bruce Thiers, and the entire staff have put in over the years making this information as timely and readily accessible as possible. Thank you for all your hard work!
