Five years ago, I was given the opportunity and responsibility of helping set the foundation and course for a new ophthalmic publication—Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today. My first editorial was titled, "Oh, No, Not Another Ophthalmic Publication!" From the outset, we strove to be different. Our straightforward goals were to (1) be the cutting-edge syllabus for practicing cataract and refractive surgeons, (2) harness the brightest ophthalmic minds to communicate the best and most up-to-date surgical knowledge for the benefit of our field, and (3) critically scrutinize the information for balance and minimize bias and conflict of interest. On the first two counts, we have hit home runs. On the third, the final analysis rests with the reader. Judging by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive, however, all of those involved can be extremely proud of their efforts to fulfill this idealistic goal.
It has been great fun to be the inaugural Chief Medical Editor of CRSToday, but the time has come for me to pass the baton to an able, energetic, and enthusiastic colleague who will run the next leg for this standard-setting publication. It is with great pride I can help announce Steven G. Slade, MD, as the new Refractive Surgery Chief Medical Editor. Steve fits the bill perfectly. As a former fellow of Steve's, it will be my great honor to support his tenure. I will continue on as part of CRSToday's editorial board and assist with the meetings activities as they evolve.
Before I go, I must give my thanks to the principals of CRSToday. To David Cox, President and Publisher: I believe that your endeavors have changed the distribution of information for our field. To Adam Krafczek, Jr, Esq, Vice President: ophthalmology owes you its gratitude for your diligence in providing a road map for understanding medicolegal issues in "Anatomy of a Lawsuit I and II." I assure the reader that David and Adam together have the education of the practitioner behind this publication and the clinical symposia they support. From a daily operational standpoint, the Chief Medical Editor is only as good as the editorial staff, and Gillian McDermott, Sara Smith, and Alicia Fagan are the media's brightest lights. I must also thank David Chang, MD, for taking over the Cataract Chief Medical Editor position. Clearly, David has taken CRSToday to the stratosphere. Last, I must thank three other important groups. The publication's editorial board and contributors have been simply sensational to work with. The industry representatives advertising within CRSToday receive my sincere thanks for showing faith in this publication when it launched and for their continued support today. Finally, I must thank the readers for their openness and feedback regarding the concept of CRSToday that have helped make it a pillar in the industry.
With pride, I bid CRSToday continued success. See you at the next meeting.
