From the Editor

This is the first issue to include my name on the masthead of this journal, which I have greatly admired for 25 years. I have been a consistent reader of the Quarterly because I so frequently find in its pages articles of depth and sophistication that shed fresh light on topics that interest me in health care and health policy. My interests have always crossed disciplinary boundaries, and it has seemed to me that the Milbank Quarterly regularly publishes work from the widest range of disciplines of any journal in our field––from scholars in all of the social sciences, history, law, and ethics, but also on occasion from clinicians, policy makers, and others who have valuable perspectives on important issues. The high rate at which papers published in the Quarterly are cited is testimony to the quality that readers have come to expect. So it is with no small sense of responsibility that I take up my duties as editor.

People have asked me about “new directions” in which I want to take the Quarterly. I do not have a specific agenda for change, but some changes will no doubt become perceptible over time. The editorial board will be substantially enlarged, and there are ideas to be discussed in that forum. But the Quarterly will continue to publish original research, policy review and analysis, and commentary from academics, clinicians, and policy makers on matters pertaining to health and health policy, broadly defined. I have no intention of trying to narrow the broad array of disciplines and types of work published by the Quarterly. As in the past, there will be thematic issues from time to time. All papers receive double-blind peer review.

The Quarterly seeks to shed fresh light on important public policy issues in health care, in all of their social, economic, legal, and ethical complexity. Many of its readers produce work that serves precisely that purpose. I hope very much that those who have previously published in these pages will continue to send their work to the Quarterly and that other readers who may have at some time considered sending a manuscript to us will think again about doing so.

A journal exists for those who read it and publish in it. As I begin my responsibilities, I invite you to share your thoughts with me about ways that the Quarterly might better serve your needs. I will always be interested in any criticisms or suggestions that you may have. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have an idea that might improve the Quarterly. I may be reached by email at bgray@nyam.org or at the mailing address given in the “Instructions to Authors” at the back of each issue.

Bradford H. Gray

Author(s): Bradford H. Gray

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Volume 78, Issue 3 (pages 345–346)
DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.00176
Published in 2000