JDD: Celebrating 10 Years of Publishing Excellence

Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D. is a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center and practices at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY. She specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and laser surgery. After graduating cum laude from Cornell University, Dr. Hale received her medical degree from NYU where she was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Hale teaches advanced dermatologic surgery to the NYU Dermatology residents. She was appointed a Vice President of the Skin Cancer Foundation in 2011. She is also the co-Director of the NYU Procedural Dermatology Fellowship and of the Advances in Dermatology symposium held in NYU every June. Dr. Hale has published numerous articles and chapters in the field of dermatology and co-authored the Dermatologic Surgery Handbook, which is used to train Dermatology residents nationwide.

JDD: What do you think of the concept of JDD in the realm of dermatological literature—does it fill a gap?

Dr. Hale: I had the high honor of being trained in Mohs surgery by Dr. Robins, who has been a great mentor to so many of us. The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD) was his idea, and it came to fruition through his vision. I enjoyed being one of the first members of the JDD Editorial Board and was one of the original Co-Editors-in-Chief. We have an ongoing and definite need for JDD. Many of the medical journals have a one- to two-year turnaround rate, sometimes longer, before the information can be printed. JDD is the fastest to print journal in dermatologic community, which means that through reading it we have quicker access to the most relevant information. This is important, as developments in the field of dermatology are changing so quickly nowadays, and we need to know about in a timely way. The quality of the journal is increasing all the time.

JDD: Do you feel that JDD has been beneficial in your practice/field and how so?

Dr. Hale: I do find JDD is always right on the cutting edge of what's new and current in dermatology. Patients these days are very well-informed, and as soon as a new medication or procedure becomes available patients are asking us about it. We need a peer-reviewed, trusted source for this new information that we can access fast, so we can provide our patients with up-to-date, relevant, and accurate information.

JDD: What has been your favorite aspect of JDD? What do you like best?

Dr. Hale: I really enjoy the personal touch of JDD. In addition to the articles, I am always interested to find out more about my colleagues, in places like the Featured Member section, Resident Rounds, News, Views, & Reviews, and Clinical Trial Review.JDD combines current information with the personal touch. In particular, I like the new Resident Rounds section. Residents are the future of dermatology, and it is interesting to read about their practices and get a picture of what's exciting for them. It keeps us all inspired.

JDD: Do you feel that the distribution of eJDD to 50,000 dermatologists around the world is a good initiative?

Dr. Hale: We have many international colleagues who are doing excellent work in different specialties of dermatology. The international dermatologists, particularly in the field of aesthetic dermatology are making progress even more rapidly than we are here in the United States. This is particularly true in the area of fillers and injectables, as new products are often approved abroad before they are available in the U.S. Through the JDD international initiative, this mutual dialogue is enhanced to the benefit of all.

Elizabeth K. Hale MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology
NYU School of Medicine
Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY

JDD is written and reviewed for physicians, by physicians. According to the most recent Journal Citation Reports (JCR), JDD has an Impact Factor Ranking of 1.954, making it the 5th most highlyread dermatological journal among US-based publications