I am often asked if the JOURNAL OF FAMILY PRACTICE still publishes research, and if so, what type of studies we seek? In a word, “YES”, JFP remains committed to publishing original research (typically one article per issue).
Of course, we begin by assessing a study’s validity. But good research design is not enough. We seek studies that are immediately clinically relevant or intensely thought provoking—preferably both. We are fortunate to have a steady stream of submissions ranging from focused systematic reviews and meta-analyses, to clinical trials in real world practice, to provocative qualitative studies.
There is no set formula for our research articles. Initially, I review every article and deem about half as obviously flawed or inappropriate for our audience. The remainder is reviewed by Cheryl Flynn and John Hickner, our Associate Editors. Typically, half of these articles pass muster. My goal is to send to review only articles that have a significant chance, with revision, to be acceptable.
So while research has become a less prominent part of JFP, I delight in bringing you work that I have found exciting, stimulating and useful. Enjoy this issue’s article on physician self-doctoring—a study I found creative and thought-provoking. And let us know how we can continue to make this aspect of the Journal an important part of your “required reading.”
Family Medicine Grand Rounds
One of my fondest memories of medical school is attending medical grand rounds, where invariably the most obscure diseases would be diagnosed by astoundingly astute clinicians. As I have gained more experience as a family physician, my focus on “fascinomas” has decreased, while my interest in grand rounds has endured. I hope this new JFPfeature, Family Medicine Grand Rounds, edited by Audrey Paulman, MD (Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center) will recall the lively give and take of those days past, while offering much more practical, useful information.
If you have a particularly instructive case that combines the art and scholarship of family medicine, or have suggestions on how to make this feature of more value to your practice, please let us know.
