Our mission

Patricia Huston, MD, MPH
Associate editor-in-chief

Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 155: 7

See also:

At CMAJ we used to believe that quality should speak for itself. However, we came to realize that many physicians did not know what distinguished CMAJ from other journals. We decided that our quiet quality was not being recognized and that it was time to address this nescience. After a year of reflection and discussion, we have articulated our first mission statement (see page 5) -- it will appear at the end of the table of contents of each issue. Here is an explanation of the underlying beliefs and principles.

We care about the professional development of every physician in Canada. We want physicians to be able to turn to CMAJ for intellectual nourishment and stimulation. Thus, first and foremost our goal is "to foster curiosity and debate about all aspects of medicine." We are not afraid to be contentious -- we do not want to breed complacency.

We participate in the continuing effort to improve health care and advance science. Clear, robust scientific reporting helps physicians and policymakers decide whether to adopt new information. To ensure that we publish high-quality studies, we cultivate peer review, which incorporates critical appraisal, and we work closely with authors to bring out their best work. As scientific editors, we teach, and we strive "to promote excellence in research, peer review, authorship and health care."

We know Canadian medicine makes an important contribution internationally. Our health care system, our practitioners and our researchers are respected around the world. So is CMAJ. Thus, we will continue "to provide a Canadian voice in the international health care community."

CMAJ is the most widely read Canadian medical journal. It is both a voice and a window for Canadian medicine. We will continue our work to create a resource that physicians can enjoy, contribute to and be proud of.

| CMAJ July 1, 1996 (vol 155, no 1) |