JBJS is pleased once again to highlight our Elite Reviewers. The Elite Reviewers Program recognizes our best reviewers for their outstanding efforts. All JBJS reviewers help us maintain the highest standards for quality orthopaedic publishing.
Name:
Thomas Vail, MD
Affiliation:
University of California, San Francisco. San Francisco, CA, USA
Years in practice: 29 years
How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?
I started reviewing articles as a resident assisting the attending staff. I enjoyed the process, as it exposed me to nuances of scientific writing and research methodology.
What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?
Look at the manuscript right away, even if briefly. Taking a quick look will prompt you to start thinking about the research question and the methodology. This will make the more detailed review process easier. I have a template for reviewing that I always follow. Using a template allows me to organize my thoughts efficiently.
Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?
I like reading biographies of interesting people. This includes musicians, politicians, military, business entrepreneurs, and civil rights figures. Understanding how successful people think and act provides very useful perspective as I consider my own life.
Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.