ASCO's Journal of Oncology Practice (JOP) now offers
free podcasts to the general public on its website
(http://jop.ascopubs.org/site/podcasts/index.xhtml), as well as to
those who subscribe to the podcasts on iTunes. These insightful and
informative podcasts focus on a wide variety of topics by
highlighting chosen articles in each issue of JOP. Robert
S. Miller, MD, a member of the JOP Editorial Board and
practitioner at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at
Johns Hopkins, now directs the conceptualization and creation of
each JOP podcast. The articles to be highlighted are selected by
Dr. Miller; John V. Cox, DO, MBA, FACP, Editor in Chief of JOP; and
JOP staff. Each new issue of JOP is accompanied by at least one
podcast. These podcasts are a convenient and helpful resource for
any busy clinician or reader interested in learning more about a
featured article in JOP.
"I envision the podcasts as a way of enhancing the content that
is in the Journal," notes Dr. Miller. "I focus on
articles…and to date have been interviewing the authors. [This
allows them] to expand on their ideas for their article and fill in
background information that readers might find interesting, in a
more conversational, informal manner." He uses a hands-on approach
to producing each podcast. "I do all of the production myself on my
4-year-old MacBook Pro.…We conduct the conversation over
Skype."
Podcast Highlights
One recent article Dr. Miller presented is by John A. Keech, MD,
"The Dinosaur Is Extinct: The Demise of Solo Medical Oncology
Practice in the United States," published in the September issue of
JOP. Dr. Miller explains that the interview with Dr. Keech features
the author's "personal story of how he was forced to close his solo
practice in California after many years of success and hard work,
due to business pressures that could not be overcome." Dr. Keech
not only highlights the various aspects and advantages of private
practice care; his comments are emotionally compelling and
heartfelt. "I was appreciative of his openness and willingness to
share," Dr. Miller said.
Another recent podcast features an article that also ran in the
September issue of JOP, entitled "National Practice Benchmark: 2010
Report on 2009 Data," by Thomas R. Barr and Elaine Towle. Dr.
Miller interviewed the two authors about a national survey they
conducted, in which community oncology practices were asked to
provide data for use in managing today's financially challenging
practice environment. "It was interesting to hear the background on
their rationale for the questions on the benchmark survey and their
analysis of the data," Dr. Miller said. "They made some great
comments about [their interpretation of the results] in the context
of the current landscape of oncology practice in the United States
and the challenges faced."
As for the future of the podcast program, Dr. Miller says, "My
goal is to increase readership and attention to JOP and its
content. We may experiment with more of a news summary format in
addition to the interview format." Listeners are encouraged to
provide their comments and suggestions, which can be made directly
on the iTunes site or e-mailed to jopeditorsdesk@asco.org. ■
© 2011. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All Rights
Reserved.
