This issue is published close to the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War – two papers commemorating the influence of that war on the Royal Army Medical Corps and on medicine in general will stir readers’ interest. Iain Donaldson’s scholarly paper on Peter Lowe and his second piece about Thomas Geminus completes the history section. Pamela Levack’s editorial and the Current Controversy both highlight the need for improvement of, and debate about, end of life care. Research papers include a study of young doctors’ view on geriatrics and two approaches to a study of risk.
Sadly, with this issue, two of our section editors end their tenure. Iain Macintyre has developed the history section extensively and Robert MacFadyen has built up the clinical section. Both have brought new ideas and considerable commitment for which we are extremely grateful.
This issue will also be my farewell as editor. The past four years seem to have flown by – what many regarded as cumbersome toil has always been a delight. That is not only due to our wonderful College staff, and our section editors, but also to the many authors who have submitted their work, and the oft-forgotten referees who always made positive suggestions. I am delighted that Dr Martyn Bracewell is to be the new editor-in-chief and he has already contributed new insights and energy. Thank you all for supporting me so positively.
Sandy Raeburn, Editor
