SIM Quarterly [Editorial, Issue 1]

Daunting as it may appear to some newcomers, the Internet essentially has just two primary functions: communication and access to information (one could arguably add 'entertainment'). As communication and information are both critical to modern medicine, it is no wonder that health care professionals worldwide are beginning to realize the potential in this network. Doctors, nurses, managers, researchers, academics, information specialists, and many others have begun to take a keen interest. Like the stethoscope or coat-pocket handbook, the Internet is a tool that promises to extend our experience and complement existing abilities to learn and practice medicine.

Formed in September 1995 by a forward-thinking core of individuals, the fledgling European Society of Internet Medicine concentrated its efforts on the organization of MEDNET 96, the European Congress of the Internet in Medicine. MEDNET brought together many individuals and organizations, not only from all over Europe, but from all over the world. Interest was thriving. Clearly, MEDNET would need to be repeated. MEDNET 97, the World Congress on the Internet in Medicine, will be hosted by the re-named Society for the Internet in Medicine (SIM) in Brighton, November 3-6 1997. But much can happen in a year - could such a high level of excitement be contained until the next Congress?

The Society's newsletter, SIM Quarterly, serves as a medium for communication and a source of information itself. It will be published on the World-Wide Web (WWW) four times a year and in concert with MEDNET, offers a forum where those interested in medical utilization of the Internet may exchange information and opinions on a more regular basis. Indeed, fostering communications between various individuals, organizations, and projects is the principal goal of the Society. SIM sees itself as a facilitator, an organization to which other national (or international) groups can look to for support and contacts for collaboration. A kind of 'network on the network', if you like. SIM is far more than just a conference organizer.

Each quarter, this publication will bring you editorial comment; news items; regular columns from key national and international groups; reviews; 'beginner's guide' tutorials on various Internet technologies as applied to medicine; notice of up-and-coming meetings, conferences, and events; letters; short research papers on Internet use in medicine; meeting reports; and a free Classified section where you can place or read announcements or advertisements. Over the course of time, we will provide thorough coverage of topics such as access to health and medical information, clinical WWW applications, online medical education, digital libraries, telemedicine, health service intranets, ethical and legal issues, security and confidentiality, and publishing standards. Most importantly, SIM Quarterly is tightly focussed on the medical applications of the Internet and TCP/IP-based intranets; those with a similar focus will be spared from needless sifting through general informatics journals and scattered Web pages.

As Editor, it is my pleasure to welcome you to this first Issue on behalf of the Editorial Board and SIM Executive Committee. We trust that the varied backgrounds and experience of our multi-disciplinary Editorial Board members will foster quality peer review, with appropriate emphasis on content that meets everyone's needs. The Board looks forward to a fruitful partnership with you in the promotion and exploration of medicine on the Internet. We encourage you all to become familiar with the submission form for use by contributors, and trust you will make every effort to attend MEDNET 97 as an active member of the Society for the Internet in Medicine.

Bruce McKenzie MB, ChB
GP Registrar
Chesterfield, UK

Society for the Internet in Medicine

Comments to: simq@cybertas.demon.co.uk

Copyright © 1997 Society for the Internet in Medicine. All rights reserved.
Date: June 1, 1997
Document URL: http://www.cybertas.demon.co.uk/simq/issue1/editorial.html