A Fond Farewell (As Editor In Chief)

A Fond Farewell (As Editor In Chief)

Jonathan S. Berek, MD, MMedSc, FASCO

Dec 22, 2016

When I first took the helm of ASCO’s member publication in 2006, ASCO Connection was very different—so different, in fact, that it was not even called ASCO Connection! It was ASCO News, a short magazine primarily consisting of (aptly) news from ASCO. As a member, I had enjoyed reading it. As the editor in chief, I could see that it was full of potential.

The recently formed editorial board and I envisioned a substantive publication that would connect ASCO to its members and members to each other, reporting on timely issues in our field and celebrating the diversity of our membership. Growth began in the first year of my term with the addition of our popular Current Controversies in Oncology column, and rapidly accelerated from there.

Overseeing the strategic direction of this publication has been a great personal pleasure and source of satisfaction. I am pleased that we have been able to substantially expand in order to bring you, our readers, a publication with gravitas, and content that is excellent and variegated, representing the diverse voices of our membership and our profession.

It has been a pleasure to work with the dedicated members of the ASCO Connection Editorial Board, as well as the ASCO staff, including Victoria M. Vaughn, Lisa G. Greaves, Amy Fries, and Virginia Anderson, and our team of staff writers, editors, graphic designers, production managers, web developers, and others.

And so, in my final full issue as editor in chief, I am proud to share with you a publication abounding with valuable articles to enrich your practice.

Our cover story unpacks the complexities of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) as key provisions of the legislation go into effect this month. ASCO’s tools and resources will help you be fully prepared for the changes so that you can get properly reimbursed for the high-quality, patient-centered care you are providing.

Drs. Gary W. Falk, Christopher H. Blevins, and Prasad G. Iyer present cases for and against screening for Barrett’s esophagus, considering in particular the questions of who, how, and when. Dr. Srinadh Komanduri provides a concise introduction to the topic.

Three articles illuminate the incredible value of cross-cultural understanding in oncology. Dr. Simone M. Goldinger is enhancing her melanoma practice in Switzerland through a self-designed international exchange program. Dr. Narmin Talibova, the first physician from Azerbaijan to receive the Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO’s International Development and Education Award, describes lessons learned during her visit to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Chrishanthi Rajasooriyar outlines the cultural balancing act performed by providers in Sri Lanka when patient and caregiver expectations about communication diverge.

Physician, heal thyself! If your New Year’s resolutions include making more time for self-care, ASCO Connection is here for you with a yearlong series on practical strategies for preventing professional burnout. We introduce the series this month with tips for identifying symptoms of burnout and tools for prevention.

We at ASCO Connection wish you good health, great joy, and professional satisfaction in the new year, and as always, thank you for reading!

Disclaimer: 

The ideas and opinions expressed on the ASCO Connection Blogs do not necessarily reflect those of ASCO. None of the information posted on ASCOconnection.org is intended as medical, legal, or business advice, or advice about reimbursement for health care services. The mention of any product, service, company, therapy or physician practice on ASCOconnection.org does not constitute an endorsement of any kind by ASCO. ASCO assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage to persons or property arising out of or related to any use of the material contained in, posted on, or linked to this site, or any errors or omissions.

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