From Fish to Philosopher: Journal of Allied Health Editorials (paperback)
From Fish to Philosopher: Journal of Allied Health Editorials (paperback)
A common practice in composing editorials for health journals is for an editor to comment on the essential contents of any issue by providing readers with concise summaries and keen insights regarding the potential implications for education and clinical practice of one or more articles. Instead of adhering to that highly valuable practice, I aimed to see if a different kind of editorial might prove useful in apprising readers of ongoing thematic considerations that shed light on the inner workings of the Journal of Allied Health while simultaneously attempting to acquaint them with developments that include changes in the logistics of publishing and key relationships between academic libraries and publishing firms.
Production of a book in both print and electronic versions is an outcome of this effort, along with a companion piece in the form of a series of podcast recordings based on a select group of editorials I wrote that were published between 2008 and 2020 in the Journal of Allied Health. “From Fish To Philosopher” is the title of a book from the 1950s that I read in 1962. It relates the story of vertebrate kidney evolution seen through the function of that organ at different phylogenetic levels.
It seemed apparent to me that a similar embryological perspective could be employed usefully as a conceptual framework to reveal how the Journal continues to evolve from one quarterly issue to the next by reflecting changing sets of circumstances over that defined time interval. That original book’s title, “From Fish To Philosopher,” was used as a heading for a Journal editorial in the Spring 2012 issue and is being repeated on the cover of the present collection of editorials. From an evolutionary standpoint, Episode 5—“Time and the River”—provides a thorough account of how the Journal has changed over the seasons of its existence.
“This new book by Dr. Elwood stretches the reader’s mind, as its esteemed editor reveals the secrets behind the hidden curtain of publishing. So armed, a new generation of academics will learn why articles are accepted or rejected and what the future of publishing holds for them. He provides us with an intellectually challenging and incisively argued collection of editorial views on the ethics and prospects for future dissemination of new knowledge. A rare combination of the erudite and readable, this editorial smorgasbord sums up the past and present of academic publishing and the tangled web of key relationships between academic libraries and publishing firms. A true classic with strong appeal to a wide audience, this volume is a welcoming paean to disciplined logic and science in research and dissemination of knowledge. Analytical, well-referenced, humorous at times, as the social lockdowns subside, all should run not walk to the nearest source for a copy.”
-George P. Cernada, DrPH Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Founder and Editor Emeritus, International Quarterly of Community Health Education
“Journal of Allied Health editor Thomas Elwood’s collection of essays is a timely overview of the larger context of professional journal publication in the health professions today along with discussion of specific topics, anchored in concrete detail and data. The book is a reminder of how a highly skilled writer can provide an engaging account that combines information and observations with relevant quotes, anecdotes, and touches of humor. Taken together, the essays may well serve as a form of mentorship that many students, faculty, and researchers seeking publication have not had, with insights that are useful to both novices and the initiated. The book offers practical guidance while highlighting transformations taking place in publishing today.”
-Diane J. Patrick, PhD Academic Information Technologist, University of Maryland, College Park