Expanded Role for JMRI: Continuing medical education (CME)

Abstract

The addition of CME review articles has been a significant and valuable enhancement to the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging as we seek to become and be the leading archival journal for clinical developments and applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We are all deeply indebted to Scott B. Reeder, MD, PhD, University of Wisconsin, and JMRI Associate Editor for CME, who has led the development and deployment of our first CME Committee. The CME Committee members are listed in Table 1. This committee has done a superb job in organizing and implementing this CME initiative by recruiting and assisting with the review of articles on critically important topics from recognized leaders in the field. It has been a privilege and an honor to realize our goal by publishing the first JMRI CME review article in January 2010, followed by one article every month through September 2011 (exception: Thoracic Imaging Special Issue, December 2010). Publication of two CME articles per month began in October 2011 and continued through our April 2012 issue. A special expression of appreciation is extended to the authors, who were selected by the CME Committee in cooperation with the Annual Meeting Program Committee (AMPC). The CME program has been propelled forward by the recent addition of a special series of CME articles on MR Physics for Clinicians, developed and organized by Frank R. Korosec, PhD, in cooperation with Scott B. Reeder, MD, PhD, and the CME Committee. The first article in the MR Physics for Clinicians series is included in this issue and is entitled “The Physics of MRI: A Primer” by Donald B. Plewes, PhD, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada, and Walter Kucharczyk, MD, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Two clinical CME articles, “Imaging of Prion Diseases” by Laurent Letourneau-Guillon, MD, Ryan Wada, MD, and Walter Kucharczyk, MD, and “Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Postoperative Hip” by Catherine L. Hayter, MBBS, Matthew F. Koff, PhD, and Hollis G. Potter, MD, are also included in this issue. Consequently, with this issue we initiate for JMRI the inclusion of three CME articles per month. We have the hope and expectation that this model of including two clinical CME articles and one physics CME article per issue will continue for the next 2 years (2012–2014)—or possibly longer! The MR Physics for Clinicians CME articles currently in press and scheduled for publication are provided in Table 2. Table 3 lists MR Physics for Clinicians CME articles that are currently in preparation, review, or revision. We plan to collect the entire MR Physics for Clinicians series into one monograph or compendium available for distribution; it will serve as an archive as well as an investment in the future. Publication of the MR Physics for Clinicians CME articles will be coordinated and scheduled together with approximately 30 clinical CME articles currently in preparation, review, or revision. In addition, 59 new potential submissions from the award-winning teachers of the Education Courses and the award-winners of the Electronic Education Exhibits presented at ISMRM 2011, Montreal, Canada, are currently being considered by the CME Committee for possible future invitation. It is essential that we use, evaluate, and together improve this CME initiative! Please log on to the JMRI CME website (https://www.wileyhealthlearning.com/jmri.aspx), enter your user ID and password, and follow the steps to earn CME credit. We welcome your comments. Send your ideas and suggestions for improvement, including suggestions for new topics and authors, to the editorial office ([email protected]). The authors and their laboratories and institutions. The CME Committee. The editorial office, including Barbara Sammons, Martha Tanner, and Kerry King. The Wiley-Blackwell team, including Jennifer English, Alyson Linefsky, Dave Kempe, and William Deluise. The ISMRM AMPC Chairs, including Dan Sodickson, MD, PhD, Caroline Reinhold, MD, James Pipe, PhD, and Garry Gold, MD. The ISMRM Executive Office, including Roberta Kravitz and her staff. Many thanks to all! In conclusion, the JMRI CME program was envisioned and developed as an archival collection of articles describing the state-of-the-art in physical principles, technology, and clinical applications of MRI. It represents the dedicated and coordinated efforts of colleagues and friends. We seek to reach beyond ourselves to make a difference in the lives of patients and families whom we seek to serve! ONWARD! C. Leon Partain MD, PhD*, * Editor-in-Chief.