The Wonder and the Mystery: Your Voices, Your Stories

Abstract

The Annals is proud to announce the publication of its first book: The Wonder and the Mystery: 10 Years of Reflections from the Annals of Family Medicine.1 The Wonder and the Mystery is an anthology of intimate personal stories and innovative ideas published in the Annals’ Reflections section. It includes a wide range of articles, from influential pieces on urgent topical issues to exceptional stories of unique individuals. The stories shed light on small moments and major life transitions. In the process, they help us find meaning in our own physical, emotional, and spiritual journeys. Together, the articles in The Wonder and the Mystery deepen our understanding of “the vibrant, unpredictable place where primary care and life intersect.”2 This unique collection is framed by the insights of Rachel Naomi Remen, whose Foreword might just remind readers of the “sense of wonder, of awe, of aliveness”3 that drew them to primary care. Sharing reflections is an integral part of the Annals’ effort to shed light on the core of family medicine and primary care. When clinicians, researchers, and patients allow us a glimpse into their thoughts, practices, and lives—their personal and professional stories—we are enriched. As family physician Jeffrey Borkan reminds us, “Whether we aim to change health care or just provide a record of our acts, stories may provide a mechanism for finding meaning, sustaining ourselves, and furthering our professional roles and that of our field.4 Reflections are an ongoing feature of the Annals, and we invite you to share your stories and ideas. Whether you are a seasoned author, a back-of-the-envelope jotter, or new to reflective writing, we encourage you to consider submitting an article to the Reflections section. We welcome: Stories of personal experience that, implicitly or explicitly, shed light on health, health care, or the human condition Persuasive essays that present a well-reasoned, well-referenced point of view or course of action Explanatory essays that share information, describe a topic, or offer a definition. Explanatory essays must offer a topic, perspective, or approach that is unique or highly relevant All Reflections articles should use a concise writing style, have a clear, focused message, and relate to health or primary health care. Personal stories and innovative ideas deepen the Annals and enrich our lives. We look forward to reading your reflections. We also invite you to read the remarkable insights of your colleagues in The Wonder and the Mystery. Ordering details are available at http://www.AnnFamMed.org.