Congratulations
to all the talented people who edit, publish, and support The Permanente
Journal. It was an honor to write a commentary for the premiere
issue of the Journal back in 1997, and I am twice as pleased
to share a few comments for this, your fifth anniversary issue. What
an important milestone!
I am a
strong supporter of The Permanente Journal, and allow me to tell
you why. First, there are numerous physicians in the Permanente Medical
Groups across the country who tell me that they are enriched by the
articles found within its pages. The Journal has covered important
issues such as Patient Safety, Quality, New Technology, Service, Research,
Women's Health, Doctor-Patient Encounters, and more, with finesse. And,
of course, the Journal publishes our physicians' important research
studies and medical achievements so learnings can be shared across the
Program.
Second,
I believe we need to build more of a Permanente culture throughout all
of our Medical Groups because at the end of the day, we are, at least
philosophically, one Permanente Medical Group. The Permanente Journal
helps us create and foster that culture. Back in 1997, I stated "the
Journal will aim to bring our thoughts, practices, and accomplishments
under one roof for everyone's view. As a result, these new ideas can
spread across our Permanente Medical Groups to bring better health to
our members." I am pleased to say today that I believe this publication
is doing just that.
Third,
the Journal provides a platform for physicians to express themselves
artistically, whether it be through writing, poetry, photography, or
illustration. I've been impressed by the artistic talent of so many
of our colleagues.
There
are some critics of this publication. It's true --The Permanente
Journal does cost money to produce, but I think it is a fine, worthwhile
endeavor. And I've seen improvement in its content over the years. We
all know that it is not the New England Journal of Medicine,
nor is it intended to be. I think that The Permanente Journal
is ultimately about caring deeply for our Program and for our physicians.
The focus of this issue, physician worklife, demonstrates that caring.
I congratulate
Tom Janisse, MD, the editor-in-chief, the editorial board, and the production
staff on its fifth anniversary and wish The Permanente Journal
continued success for many years to come.
