Starting a new job—any new job—brings with it trepidations. What’s the boss going to be like? Is there a strict dress code? Am I in over my head? When is payday? Did I make the right choice in taking it?
The nervous energy can be overwhelming. Only the strong survive the first day of human resources training, the endless line of personal questions from new co-workers, and the information technology grunts explaining your computer will be ready in a few days.
Fortunately, I made it through the first day, the second day, and the first week as the new editor of The Hospitalist. Whew! With newbie formalities out of the way, my attention is focused on settling into a routine and learning how best to lead the editorial charge for this news magazine. To that end, I want to say I’m excited to be on board!
Let’s start with a little background about me: I’ve been a writer, copy editor, and section editor for nearly two decades. The majority of my professional experience has been in the newspaper industry where I’ve worked in news, sports, and business departments at papers big and small.
To clear this up right away: I am not a doctor and—admittedly—not an expert in hospital medicine. In fact, except for the births of my two sons, I have spent very little time in or around hospitals the past 20 years. I do know, however, hospital medicine is a growing field, and I am thrilled to jump on this train as it leaves the station.
Some of you may believe a solid knowledge of medicine is a pre-requisite to edit a hospital medicine-focused magazine. For me, though, news is news. An editor may not understand every nuance of the subject matter, but he sure knows a good story when he sees one. My expertise is in developing a story, from concept through research and writing, all the way to presentation and publication. I hope my lack of medical background, in some ways, actually will allow me to bring a fresh set of eyes and editing to the content.
All of this said, my best asset in this new role is my editorial partner: Physician Editor Jeffrey Glasheen, MD. As a practicing hospitalist and leader of a hospital medicine group, Dr. Glasheen is on the front lines of hospital medicine, possesses a strong knowledge of all things SHM, and deals directly with the issues facing all of you dear readers. His passion for his role as physician editor inspires me. No doubt I will lean on him as I learn the ins and outs of hospital medicine.
Others I will look to for guidance include Editorial Director Lisa Dionne here at Wiley-Blackwell; the staff at SHM; and members of Team Hospitalist. Finally, I look to you for ideas and feedback. Who better to inform The Hospitalist pages? This magazine has a narrow focus (hospital medicine), but its readership is diverse and the trends are plentiful.
Because this is the November issue of an election year, I would like to commit to a non-partisan platform of fairness in reporting. I also believe in accurate, straightforward writing, and will maintain high standards at all levels when editing the magazine.
Now, for my first big announcement as editor: In addition to receiving the monthly magazine, you now receive our recently launched weekly electronic publication: the TH eWire. In the eWire, Associate Editor Stephanie Cajigal and I take the “pulse” of hospital medicine and offer up critical news and information we think you will value.