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:

Charles Cornell, M.D.

Affiliation:

Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, N.Y.

Years in practice: 34 years

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

I was nominated as a reviewer to JBJS by Al Burstein who was a senior editor.

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

Read everything you can. Accept every invitation. Set aside time every week for journal work.

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

Novels, nonfiction regarding the history of racism in America

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.

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:

Dana C Mears, MD, PhD

Affiliation:

Clinical Professor, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Greater Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Associates, Pittsburgh, PA

Years in practice: 45

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

I was invited by the Editor of each relevant journal to review a manuscript. That event culminated in an invitation to become a regular reviewer.

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

Such an aspiring reviewer has to be prepared to divert a considerable amount of time and effort to critically evaluate each manuscript in a timely manner.

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

I enjoy reading about decorative gardens and newly developed flowers and shrubs.

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.

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:

Nicholas J. Giori M.D., Ph.D.

Affiliation:

Stanford University and VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA

Years in practice: 20

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

I began reviewing for journals when I was a graduate student.  I don’t recall how I specifically became a JBJS reviewer.

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

Start by stepping back from the details of the article and taking a larger perspective.  What problem are the authors trying to address?  Is the study design appropriate to address the problem or question?  Outline the study in some way and see if it makes overall sense.  Are the authors’ conclusions supported by the results of the study?  After establishing a broad view of the study, you can dive into the details. 

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

I enjoy reading about history as it gives me a perspective on what is happening in today’s world.  My most recent interest has been regarding the history of central Asia.

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.

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:

William Lack, MD

Affiliation:

 University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Years in practice: 7 years

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

I was interested as some of my mentors reviewed for JBJS and I reached out myself to ask if I could be involved.

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

I would recommend taking time to thoroughly review each manuscript. I try to avoid any judgements until after I’ve understood the manuscript in its entirety. I attempt to be critical while providing constructive feedback as the goal is to not just determine what is suitable for publication, but to aid the authors in improving their work regardless of JBJS publication. I complete reviews as soon as possible.

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

The Scandinavian crime novel The Man Who Smiled while on a recent vacation, and numerous Roald Dahl books to my 4yo daughter (two to three chapters nightly).

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.

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:

Brian C. Werner, MD

Affiliation:

 University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

Years in practice: 5

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

I perform a lot of research and felt that reviewing for journals would be a good way to give back to the journals and other researchers who review for me and stay abreast of the newest research in orthopaedics.  I was invited to give my first review for JBJS by Dr. Robert Marx, one of my fellowship mentors.

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

Treat each manuscript you review as an opportunity to learn about new research in orthopaedics and give constructive feedback that will help the authors, even if it does not ultimately end up being published in JBJS.  Also understand the importance of timely feedback – I make sure to do my initial review of every manuscript within a day or two of receiving the invite.

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

Born to Run

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.

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:

Paul Levin

Affiliation:

 Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Bronx, NY

Years in practice: 34

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

It is difficult to recall how I became involved. I believe that I received a letter inquiring if I had an interest in reviewing manuscripts. I thought it was a great opportunity to be able to participate in a process which is critical in introducing clinical and basic scientific research to allow practicing orthopaedic surgeons to remain up to date in their patient care.

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

Critically analyze every assertion and statement made in the entire manuscript and be prepared to consult the original reference when an assertion seems overarching or unlikely substantiated. Be wary of the conclusion of “trend or trending”. If the investigation failed to demonstrate a statistically significant finding this should be stated, and possible further investigation is warranted.

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

• The Hastings Center Report: Excellent source of bioethical analysis of a gamut of current challenges in caring for individuals and the public
• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind; Yuval Harari
• 21 Lessons for the 21^st Century; Yuval Harari
• Thinking, Fast and Slow; Daniel Kahneman

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.

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:

Edward M. Schwarz, Ph.D.

Affiliation:

University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA

Years in practice: 23

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

I have published over 300 peer reviewed articles.  I published my first JBJS paper in 2001.  I started reviewing papers for many journals, including JBJS, shortly after that.

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

If you publish peer reviewed articles, have research grants, and/or are a member of AAOS, you have an obligation to review JBJS papers in your field.  If you are a thought leader in your field, you are obligated to reach Elite status.

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

I am an expert in the fields of Orthopaedics, Immunology, Bone Biology and Rheumatology, and try to stay current with JBJS, CORR, JOR, A&R, AR&T and JBMR.  For leisure I read biographies and Wine Spectator.

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.

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:

Professor Kerr Graham

Affiliation:

Royal Children’s Hospital

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI)

University of Melbourne

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Years in practice: 43

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

I think my first invitation to review for JBJS came after my first published paper in JBJS. That has been a similar pattern with other journals.

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

I consider reviewing to be a privilege and a serious academic responsibility. I try to give JBJS reviews the first/best part of my working day, after any urgent clinical matters. Early mornings are best when the hospital is quiet and competing demands are fewer. I remember well, being the young researcher avidly checking for a reply and a decision on a submitted paper. So, knowing that I have accepted the responsibility I try to discharge that responsibility as quickly as possible. This is for the efficiency of the journal’s operations and to show the hard-working authors my respect for their efforts.

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

The classics (Shakespeare, Dostoevsky, Dickens, Emerson, Thoreau) and a lot of Poetry (Heaney, Auden, Larkin, Whitman, Eliot, Dickinson). Travel books: anything by Paul Theroux dreaming about being able to travel again, post Covid-19.

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.

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:

Cecilia Rogmark

Affiliation:

Dept of Orthopaedics, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden

Years in practice: 30

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

After publishing my first papers in the early 00’s, I was invited to review. At first by Acta Orthopaedica whose editors had knowledge of new “local” researchers in Scandinavia, then gradually by other international journals. I am not sure how JBJS’ eye fell on me, but I guess being active as a researcher (both in writing and at meetings), lecturer and having a good international network will help.

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

Be curious (or try to be curious) on the text you are about to read. And realize that you will learn something from the paper, maybe not the core results are that interesting, but you will find a grain of gold elsewhere in the text.  Such positive attitude makes the work easier!

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

The Gospel of Eels – A Swedish book on the secrets of the eel, giving both the facts and the fiction. Sounds a bit weird, but really amazing! Available in English I think, written by Patrik Svensson.

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.

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:

David Ring

Affiliation:

Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX

Years in practice: 20

How did you begin reviewing for other journals and for JBJS in particular?

I’ve been involved in research since medical school, helped my mentors such as Jesse Jupiter with reviews, and was given opportunities to review starting in residency. 

What is your top piece of advice for those reviewers who aspire to reach Elite status?

Get curious.  Each study tells a story.  First about the author’s values and concerns and how they arrived at their question.  Then about the scientific methods employed.  And whether the data and analysis are helpful to you and your patients.

Take it seriously and be generous.  Most orthopedic research is done by volunteers that want to make a difference.  Be generous and constructive in your assessments.  Also, realize that if there is an error or misinterpretation there is a potential for harm. Start with a set of base principles for health and make sure the manuscript meets up with those.

Reviewing is a civic duty that makes me a better scientist.  I learn so much from reviewing.

Aside from orthopaedic manuscripts, what have you been reading lately?

After finishing White Fragility, I moved on to The Broken Heart of America.  As a white male I have privilege and it’s helpful to know that privilege came from violence and by design.  I want to do my part to undo that and make amends.  I’m also reading The Social Animal, one of many bestselling books that serve as instruction manuals for your mind.  The gist is that the unconscious and irrational are more impactful than the rational.  My favorite in this genre is The Invisible Gorilla.

Learn more about the JBJS Elite Reviewers program.