Education: a new opportunity for residents.

Although writing for publication and related skills (such as editing) are critical to advancing medical care, medical school education and residency training programs include little or no instruction in publication skills. Most physicians have had no formal instruction in writing beyond their required college freshman English 101 courses. As otolaryngology educators, most of the training we provide amounts to telling a medical student or resident "That's an interesting case. Why don't you write it up?"

In addition to a paucity of formal training in basic writing skills, most programs offer no opportunities for training in editing. Participating on an editorial board involves learning about incisive, analytical reading and critique, of course. However, it also requires developing a knowledge of medical ethics, ever-changing definitions of duplicate publication, political and economic factors that impact upon publication, and many other topics of considerable importance to the field--and certainly to anyone anticipating an academic career in medicine.

In addition, participating on an editorial board gives an individual an opportunity to hone his/her analytical skills, not only by reviewing manuscripts but also by reading reviews prepared by expert, experienced members of the editorial board. Serving as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Voice and EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL has provided me with an extraordinary education in editing and publishing. I read manuscripts, send them out to world-class reviewers, and then learn what I have missed through reading their reviews. This educational opportunity is also provided to other members of the editorial board when the editor sends them the comments of other reviewers. I commonly do so, particularly when there are disagreements among reviewers regarding an individual manuscript. Then each reviewer receives the other's critique, and disagreements are resolved through additional review.

At the September 2005 meeting of the ENT JOURNAL editorial board, members expressed an interest in creating an opportunity for residents to be introduced to the editorial process. Hence, we have resolved to create two positions on the editorial board for residents. They will serve two-year terms. They will receive manuscripts for review and will receive copies of comments provided by other reviewers of those manuscripts. They will be invited to participate in the editorial board meetings held during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, as well.

This editorial is intended to serve as a call for letters of interest. Residents who wish to be considered for this opportunity should write a one- to two-page letter stating their interest, why they would like to sit on the editorial board, and their long-term plans. The letter of interest should be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the resident's department chair.

ROBERT THAYER SATALOFF, MD, DMA Editor-in-Chief EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL