You may have noticed that The Left Atrium has morphed, in this issue, into Humanities. The change in name highlights systemic changes throughout the section that are designed to make it a more accessible and pertinent source of inspiration, reflection and insight for physicians.
The 7 departments within the section have been synthesized into Reviews, Creative Works and Essays. The section will be rooted in Reviews, primarily of books, but also new media and art (in all its delightful permutations). The Creative Works department will showcase original works of art, including poetry, short fiction, narrative medicine accounts, fine art and photography. Essays will explore a range of subjects, such as history, anthropology, ethics, culture and sociology, and will include profiles of inspiring people.
Other changes to the print and online humanities section will be introduced throughout 2009.
The Left Atrium was launched in January 1999 with the stated purpose of conveying “the art and humanities aspects of medicine to our readers and, in particular, providing sustenance for the practice of this art through contemplation.” A decade later that commitment remains unchanged.
I would like to thank everyone who participated in the brainstorming sessions that led to these changes. I welcome your comments as well as your submissions for possible publication (for details see www.cmaj.ca/authors/preparing.shtml).