Viewpoint FROM THE CHIEF MEDICAL EDITOR

Tough Act to Follow, but I'm Up for the Challenge

Larry E. Patterson, M.D.

With this issue of Ophthalmology Management, I assume the rather daunting position of chief medical editor, having been passed the baton by my good friend and colleague Paul Koch, M.D.

I first met Paul many years ago during a small focus group at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and after the meeting he offered to drive me back to the convention center. I was amazed that someone as important as Paul Koch would offer a ride to me, one of the "little people." I admit that I was doubly impressed to learn his car was a rented convertible. And, while I've since learned from my not-quite-mid-life crisis Porsche that a convertible is not at all practical, it's a great type of car to rent on vacation!

Lately, I always seem to end up speaking right after Paul gives wonderfully funny, yet practical, talks at various meetings. So here I am again, coming right after an act that's quite tough to follow. For those of you who often cut Paul's editorials out and post them on the various doors throughout your offices, you'll be pleased to know we've convinced him to periodically continue to share his thoughts with us in these pages as editor emeritus.

A Go-to Publication

Of all the trade publications out there in our field, Ophthalmology Management has always been my favorite, hands down. That makes it all the more exciting to be an integral part of this process.

Why is Ophthalmology Management my favorite? While other ophthalmic publications have a vital role in many aspects of diagnosing and treating the diseases we see in our practices, this publication is the place to go to get the most up-to-date practice management information. Here I can learn how to code better, how to manage patients and their expectations, and how to run my practice more efficiently. Ophthalmology Management is where I get up-to-the-minute pearls of so many aspects of, well, ophthalmology management.

I have sat on the editorial advisory board for the past couple of years and contributed some of my own articles, but I am looking forward to taking on a more significant role in this publication. I like the direction it's going, but I'd like your thoughts as well. Please e-mail me your thoughts at larryp@ecotn.com and I promise to consider each and every item sent. Unless it's discarded in my spam filter. But that's for another story.