A Few Wishes as We Move into 2003

As incoming editor, however, I face the prospect of trying to meet those standards of industriousness, eloquence, toughness, earnest-ness, and civility set by previous editors. These qualities are particularly exemplified in our outgoing editor, Ed Rudin.

His example, the consistent contribution of our editorial committee, the experience and skill of our managing editor, Ted Fourkas, and our Executive Director, Bill Sandberg, make this a unique publication. Our readership increases steadily among SSVMS members, and a larger community extending well beyond our three county area.

Could any editor wish for more?

Well, in a word, yes.

I wish to hear more from colleagues in Yolo county, my first Superior California home, and from El Dorado County. I wish to hear more from academic, subspecialty, administration and institution-bound colleagues yearning to be free — or not.

We share many interests, needs, experiences. Give us your hand. I know most of you hold strong opinions that we need to hear or would enjoy hearing.

An essay, humorous or sober. (The coming year looks grim for physicians; there is certainly no lack of serious matter affecting our profession and our nation!). A story; a word portrait of a colleague or patient. A review of a book, a play, a movie. A letter to the editor when something stirs your pen.

We do not seek controversy, but where it exists we welcome it. We try to confine articles to 1100 words or less, and letters to 200 or less, because of limited space, and therefore may suggest some editing, but not without your knowledge and consent. I know there are among you those who write for pleasure, or catharsis. Share some of that with us.

I wish to hear more carefully expressed outrage, when something outrageous affects our members.

We live at the very center of legislative activity in California; our publication is widely read within the politically sensitive community. Since much that falls onto the written page from talking heads is merely dandruff, a hard-hitting, honest, civil, and thoughtful statement springing from the heart and mind of someone actually in medicine or in practice is powerful and effective. Tri-county physicians are in an ideal position; we don't need spokespersons. We need to raise our own voices.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, we at Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine wish you a Happy 2003. Let's do some talk, some write!

lufboro@jps.net