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. Today we introduce Elite Reviewer Gary E. Friedlaender.
Name:
Gary E. Friedlaender, MD
Affiliation:
Yale University, New Haven, CT
Years in practice:
49
How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?
Rigorously reviewed scientific journals like JBJS are repositories for orthopaedic knowledge, both clinical and scientific, which is the foundation for the high quality clinical care and innovation we aspire to provide. I learned the invaluable nature of the review process after reading the comments provided to me by JBJS Editor Jonathan Cohen, on the occasion of my first submission to The Journal. The considerable time and effort Dr. Cohen expended on my behalf (and the readers of JBJS) was inspiring and became my role model as I’ve tried to give something back. And to do so in a constructive and respectful manner—respectful of the authors as well as the reader.
What is your top piece of advice for reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?
I never really thought of Elite status as a goal, but after several hundred reviews I’ve tried to be constructive, respectful, and “on time.” Basically, reviewing in a manner that I hope I’ll be reviewed.
How do you maintain a healthy work/life balance?
While I’ve not learned to be so efficient at “work” that I benefit from more time for “life,” I’ve found ways to overlap the two worlds at times. For example, I have a non-medical book club with my trainees and colleagues, generally at my home and with my wife, and credit Michael Goldberg with the concept. Similarly, I’ve written a column on the intersection of Art and Science with my wife, a gift from my hero Seth Leopold. But as important as patients, trainees, colleagues, and staff are to my professional life, I’ve never forgotten that my family is most important. They’ve learned how much I value my professional responsibilities, and have helped make these balancing actions more successful.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career changes every day. My job description is to create an environment in which each individual can reach their own potential (trainee, patient, staff, colleague). So each time I witness someone succeed, that is the highlight of my career.
Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?
Keeping up with my trainees, who choose the books for our non-medical book club, keeps my reading list long and varied—classics, contemporary, fiction, nonfiction, science-fiction.
My all-time favorite book is Gulliver’s Travels, but Endurance, Ender’s Game, and histories by David McCullough, Herman Wouk, or Leon Uris are my comfort zone. If no one is looking, I gravitate to Daniel Silva, John Grisham, or Tom Clancy.
Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.
OrthoBuzz profiles our current Elite Reviewers twice a year. Explore past and present profiles here.
