Abstract
What's in an image? What's to like? Clinicians spend much of their time staring at scans and X-rays optimistic that a lesion will become obvious, eager to demonstrate a talent for interpretation. The rise of radiologists has rendered such amateur diagnostics less necessary. Clearly, even a radiologist's interpretation should be open to challenge but there is comfort in knowing an image is honoured by the expert verdict written in a radiologist's report.
Even good sense doesn't prevent clinicians from being fascinated by clinical images. Nor should it. Applying your diagnostic skills is one of the more stimulating elements of a clinician's work. A team of doctors haphazardly peering at a clinical image is a medical ritual, an ancient method of cultural bonding. In the old days, the most senior doctor would thrust a radiograph upon an unsuspecting X-ray box, and probably interrogate somebody less senior about its meaning. Now, a sharper image is electronically transmitted to the screen of a computer or a mobile device, and the interrogation may resemble more gentle coaxing. But the group X-ray huddle is preserved. Variation in interpretation and uncertainty lives on. We know what we do but we still do it.
In the spirit of fascination with scans and X-rays, this month sees the launch of a new section of JRSM. Intriguing, important or unusual images will feature in the clinical image section, which begins with the case of the bot fly. 1 Articles for this section should be submitted via the usual online route. 2 The image should be strong, clear, compelling and accompanied by a brief case summary of no more than 300 words. Up to 5 references will be allowed. All submissions that are being considered for publication will be peer-reviewed. It is best to ensure the image has been reported on by a radiologist before submission, and the radiologist's role in the article is appropriately acknowledged. Written patient consent to publication will be required. The full colour design of JRSM makes this new section much more viable and useful.
A section of this kind is nothing new in medical journals, few ideas are, but the educational role of a medical journal is an important one and images are a helpful way to learn about clinical scenarios in an easily digestible format. Readers tend to enjoy case histories with clinical images. Editors like clinical images too. They brighten an otherwise humdrum page, add valuable extra information to an article, and bail out the journal production team when it is time to select an image for the journal's cover.
All in all, in the modern vernacular, what's not to like?