Dr. James M. Spencer joined Dr. Perry Robins as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
in August of 2008. An internationally recognized expert in skin cancer treatment and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Spencer is a frequent speaker at medical symposiums both in the U.S. and abroad. He is also an educator for other physicians to learn cosmetic and laser surgery and the author of over 90 scientific publications. He received his graduate degree in Molecular Biology from Stanford University and his Medical degree from Columbia University. He trained in Dermatology at the Columbia Presbyterian
Medical Center in New York and completed a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery, a highly specialized technique for the treatment of skin cancer that allows the highest cure rates possible. He has previously been the Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at the University of Miami and most recently the Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. He has now relocated to practice in the Tampa Bay area.
JDD: What do you think of the concept of JDD in the realm of dermatological literature—does it fill a gap?
Dr. Spencer: Indeed, JDD definitely fills a gap, providing clinicians with the latest information on the newest and best dermatological therapeutics. Different journals fill different needs in the field—basic science journals focus on molecular biology and basic lab research, continuing education journals provide textbook style review articles for practitioners. What JDD does is present up-to-the-minute information for clinicians. One problem that existed before JDD was that if a study on a new therapy was done, it would take 1 to 2 years before it was published. Now it's possible for this vital information to be accessed through JDD within six months.
Dr. Spencer: Indeed, JDD definitely fills a gap, providing clinicians with the latest information on the newest and best dermatological therapeutics. Different journals fill different needs in the field—basic science journals focus on molecular biology and basic lab research, continuing education journals provide textbook style review articles for practitioners. What JDD does is present up-to-the-minute information for clinicians. One problem that existed before JDD was that if a study on a new therapy was done, it would take 1 to 2 years before it was published. Now it's possible for this vital information to be accessed through JDD within six months.
JDD: What has been your favorite aspect of JDD?
Dr. Spencer: One of the most important aspects of JDD is its timeliness. As stated above, JDD's ability to rapidly print articles enables clinicians to offer patients the best care, based on current findings.
Dr. Spencer: One of the most important aspects of JDD is its timeliness. As stated above, JDD's ability to rapidly print articles enables clinicians to offer patients the best care, based on current findings.
JDD: How have you seen JDD grow over the past decade?
Dr. Spencer: As with anything new or emerging, JDD has encountered growing pains over the last 10 years. Some things are lost, but great things are also gained, such as becoming the official journal for the International Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ISDS). JDD has published more and more outstanding papers that guide clinicians in their practice. This means that we've had to publish less case reports because there is only so much room in each issue. Our primary goal is to provide cutting edge advances in the field, so unfortunately, we have had to reject otherwise sound and impeccable case reports.
Dr. Spencer: As with anything new or emerging, JDD has encountered growing pains over the last 10 years. Some things are lost, but great things are also gained, such as becoming the official journal for the International Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ISDS). JDD has published more and more outstanding papers that guide clinicians in their practice. This means that we've had to publish less case reports because there is only so much room in each issue. Our primary goal is to provide cutting edge advances in the field, so unfortunately, we have had to reject otherwise sound and impeccable case reports.
JDD: Do you feel that JDD has been beneficial in your practice/field?
Dr. Spencer: As a practicing clinician, the current information JDD presents has broadened my knowledge base and ability to discern proper care for my patients. And the rewarding thing for JDD is that authors and researchers agree, as they continuously honor us by sending in their best work. Also, JDD tries to give back by sending the journal around the world to clinicians who do not have access to print subscriptions. It is no doubt that the initiative of reaching up to 50,000 dermatologists worldwide will be increasingly beneficial for the dermatological field.
Dr. Spencer: As a practicing clinician, the current information JDD presents has broadened my knowledge base and ability to discern proper care for my patients. And the rewarding thing for JDD is that authors and researchers agree, as they continuously honor us by sending in their best work. Also, JDD tries to give back by sending the journal around the world to clinicians who do not have access to print subscriptions. It is no doubt that the initiative of reaching up to 50,000 dermatologists worldwide will be increasingly beneficial for the dermatological field.
James M. Spencer MD
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Co-Editor-in-Chief
