JDD: Celebrating 10 Years of Publishing Excellence

April 2012 | Volume 11 | Issue 4 | Editorials | 445 | Copyright © April 2012


Deborah S. Sarnoff MD

Abstract
Board-certified dermatologist, Deborah S. Sarnoff MD, is one of the country's premier specialists in Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer, cosmetic dermatology, and laser surgery. Dr. Sarnoff graduated from the George Washington University School of Medicine with distinction and received her residency and fellowship training in Mohs surgery and dermatologic surgery at New York University, under the direction of Dr. Perry Robins. Currently, Dr. Sarnoff is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center and is a Board member and Senior Vice President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. Dr. Sarnoff is also Director of Dermatologic Surgery at Cosmetique Dermatology, Laser & Plastic Surgery.
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JDD: How does JDD influence the dermatological literature—does it fill a gap?
Dr. Sarnoff: Yes, JDD fills a gap. In fact, what JDD does is it bridges a gap. It bridges a gap between the world of anti-aging and surgical dermatology. As a Mohs surgeon, I look forward to receiving the issues and I am one who reads them cover to cover. It allows me to keep up in the world of general dermatol- ogy because it's not just about one area, it also allows me to see the latest developments in other areas of the field. For example, the latest devices, lasers, and fillers. It is Mohs surgery and skin cancer as well as cosmetic dermatology and general dermatology. The Pipeline Previews section has information about drugs, devices, and clinical trials. You might only see a couple of full manuscripts per year on these in- teresting new topics but you can get an idea of what is going on in other areas of dermatology just from reading the Pipeline Previews.
JDD: What has been your favorite aspect of JDD? What do you like best?
Dr. Sarnoff: My favorite part about JDD I would say is that it has the fastest turn-around time and offers cutting-edge information. Other journals have a longer process and often the information is outdated by the time it is published. The JDD allows access to the latest pharmacological drug devel- opments and new technologies in a timely fashion. Also, I have published a few books in dermatology and I've always admired the look and feel of the JDD, the layout, its use of color, the charts, and the quality of the reproduction of the figures. They have a design team who deserve a lot of credit for their beautiful work and clever use of graphics to convey information.
JDD: Do you feel that JDD has been beneficial in your practice/field, and how so?
Dr. Sarnoff: I definitely use the journal and it benefits my practice. Dr. Robins has always been a trail blazer and a true giant in the industry. When he sees a need, he creates a solution. It's no surprise Dr. Robins has done it again. He has a talent for putting together the best people to create something.
JDD: Do you feel that the distribution of eJDD to 50,000 dermatologists around the world is a good initiative?
Dr. Sarnoff: I feel it's just fantastic that this is now "the" journal of ISDS, and has become the official publication of their society. The use of the latest technology and the online version of the journal form a basis for a broad cross-platform pollination of ideas that facilitates collaboration and communication, which defines how ideas are born. Reading the journal sparks ideas in my mind that may become the next study I do. That's what journals should do.
JDD: What do you feel is of least value in the journal? What would you like to see more of?
Dr. Sarnoff: The quality of the original articles is very high, but also the case reports are wonderful because you really gain valuable knowledge from case reports and they are interesting and informative to read. The quarterly supplement DermPearls is also great. Everyone likes to hear derm pearls. I have been practicing for 25 years and can still learn a pearl of wisdom or two. The JDD has a very "cool" and innovative quality and I love the new smartphone app that will allow me to access it on the fly.
Deborah S. Sarnoff MD FAAD FACP
Senior Editor, JDD
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