Scientific journals debuted in the 17th century with the French Journal des Savants and the British Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.
These journals complemented scientific meetings, which had been, until then, the primary way of communicating science.
Medical journals have gone a long way since then. Now, they influence the quality of patient care and increase the clinical and academical acumen of healthcare professionals. They also help to remove practices that are not evidence-based. Ideally, medical journals are intended as a platform for the exchange of ideas at any level.
Unless there is a free exchange of health information worldwide,the patients will tend to be the victims.
I am happy to introduce the inaugural edition of the Aster Medical Journal, which will soon emerge as a landmark publication covering a wide canvas within the health sector. It is different in many ways from a traditional medical journal. It aims to be an engaging platform for the exchange of ideas between the developed and developing world, a practicing physician and an academic researcher, a medical journalist or a scientist. Even if you don’t work in science, or dislike long reads, AMJ would have something for you as the focus would be to shed new light and act as a catalyst to trigger new thoughts and actions amongst its readers.
The current issue of AMJ traces the journey of Nipah, offering perspectives from three Asian countries which reported a Nipah outbreak - Bangladesh, Malaysia and India. We also showcase an array of global experts on Nipah for an in-depth analysis of the epidemic.
I encourage contributions from the medical fraternity in our mission to advance healthcare by sharing knowledge and expertise. Iam confident that the Aster Medical Journal will live upto the high, exacting standards we set for ourselves, and also evolve into a publication that is respected globally, showcasing expertise from some of the best of authors.
On the occasion of the release of AMJ, let me also thank Dr Azad Moopen for incubating this Vision and empowering Dr Shihad to go ahead and make this a reality.
Happy Reading!
Dr Harish Pillai
Editor & Publisher
