This Journal is often described to me as ‘niche’, but nevertheless I find it rather pleasant to feel part of a relatively small but specialist group of professional practitioners. However, as Editor of a professional journal that covers two extremely broad areas of application, namely Visual Communication and Medicine, it is not always easy to feel confident that the Journal’s content meets the needs of all its subscribers.
The editorial committee regularly reviews the aims and scope of the journal, making amendments where necessary as the world of Visual Communication within Medicine evolves. This is not an easy task; although through the Journal we seek to promote the development of the profession, it is equally important not to neglect those practices which were fundamental to its emergence. The scope of the profession’s practitioners is continually being widened, and therefore this must be reflected in this Journal.
Professional displays, art exhibitions, institute meetings and conferences invariably confirm the diversity of our skills and the potential to continue to grow. This diversity is what we aspire to reflect in the Journal – and not only this, but also what we can learn from those working on the periphery of, or even completely outside, the profession.
As advancements in technology permit communications media to be more widely accessible to other healthcare professionals, it is more important now than ever before to look towards innovation and the maintenance of exceptional standards to ensure that we stand out as the true professionals in our fields of expertise. A platform such as this Journal is one of the ways in which we can educate and communicate with each other, generate new ideas and reinforce principles.
It is encouraging that these ideas and principles are reiterated this year in the conferences of the two professional associations allied to the Journal. The theme for the Institute of Medical Illustrators’ Annual Conference in September is ‘Medical Illustration for 21st‐Century Healthcare’, and the Health Sciences Communications Association have structured their annual conference around the theme of ‘Imagination meets Technology’.
The Editorial Committee has concluded that:
The Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine is an international, peer‐reviewed publication that promotes the effective use of communications media to improve healthcare through education, clinical practice and research.
The Journal
Attaches equal importance to all aspects of communications media, including: photography and diagnostic imaging; video and multi dimensional animation; videoconferencing and telemedicine; graphic and web design, medical and forensic art and illustration; multimedia; and printed media.
Encourages the sharing of information and knowledge about the latest ideas, techniques and practical methods of the application of communications media.
Encourages the sharing of case‐studies and best practice of the application of communications media.
Showcases outstanding examples of all aspects of communications media.
Promotes the Visual Communications profession and its practitioners to all those involved in healthcare, including: educators, practitioners, providers and users.
Promotes the further development of the Visual Communications profession through support for education and research.
If you would like to contact the editor with your comments please do so;
Carly Betton, Medical Illustration, Selly Oak Hospital, Raddlebarn Road, Birmingham, B29 6JD, UK