Since the first issue was published in April 1985, Diagnostic Imaging Europe has been serving the needs of radiologists and other medical specialists. Part of a worldwide family of Diagnostic Imaging titles, the magazine focuses on imaging trends in Europe only. “The patient may have the same anatomy and the same needs but healthcare systems in various regions differ,” says Philip Ward.

The magazine includes clinical overviews, congress news and application stories. “We fill a gap between peer-review magazines and the lay press,” says the editor. “Just like a peer-to-peer title, we employ an editorial board to help us improve the magazine.” With 29 members from 14 countries, the board actively contributes ideas and proposes issues. The most recent meeting took place at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR), where the editorial board brought up issues such as turf battles. “Imaging can help surgeons perform procedures but many radiologists still have to work out how to best collaborate with other disciplines,” says Philip Ward. “While the issue may not be new, our editorial board helps us look at it from different angles.”

Every year, the magazine will appoint three to four board members and the board reflects the medical specialties of the 10,000 subscribers: while 70% are radiologists, specialists from other fields such as cardiology, oncology, IT, management and nuclear medicine complement the board. “Apart from valuable discussions on the magazine’s direction, I often turn to specialists from our board to review articles of a very technical nature,” says Philip Ward.

A network of contributing editors provides the editorial team with news from various countries. “Since 2000, we have also helped produce the ECR Today newspaper, which is distributed daily to all ECR visitors.” Philip Ward has realized that while vendors still use conferences such as RSNA and ECR to launch their products, the number of press releases issued has fallen. “Ten years ago we were swamped with news from vendors. Now we have to be even more resourceful about how we find good stories, which always makes the work challenging and exciting.”

The editor welcomes contributions from vendors, especially objective end user reports. “Vendors should contact us before they set pen to paper, though,” says Philip Ward. “I’m always keen to discuss the proposed topic in order to ensure that the direction of the story is right.” (AG)

Contact Philip Ward at philipward1@btconnect.com.