Am Fam Physician. 2007;76(11):1591
If you're like me, you can get so used to seeing a regular feature in a publication that you don't even notice it after awhile. So, I would like to point out a few regular features that appear in each issue of AFP. Most of them are listed under “Reader Services” in the Table of Contents.
Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) (page 1595)—This evidence rating system is explained in a two-page section near the front of each issue. It describes how strength of recommendation grades are determined, how to assess the quality of evidence, and how to assess consistency across studies. This information is available at https://www.aafp.org/afp/afpsort.
Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) Glossary (page 1640)—This glossary lists common abbreviations and definitions for many of the EBM and statistical terms used in AFP. An expanded list of EBM terms can be found on the AFP Web site at https://www.aafp.org/afp/afpebmglossary.
CME Calendar (page 1627)—The CME calendar lists courses approved for AAFP continuing medical education (CME) credit. The index on the first page of the calendar will help you locate information on courses by state, those outside the United States, cruises, international meetings, and the Annual Scientific Assemblies. Online, the calendar is found in the CME section of the main AAFP site at https://www.aafp.org/cme. In the online version, you can easily search by date, location, or topic. There is also a list of online CME offerings, many of which are free of charge.
Change-of-Address Form (page 1711)—Found in every issue, this form explains how to submit a new mailing address to ensure uninterrupted delivery of AFP. To submit an address change online, go to https://www.aafp.org/afp/afpaddress.
Classified Information (page 1726)—Physician recruitment ads are organized by state. This section also includes ads for practices for sale, medical equipment, and faculty and fellowship recruitment ads. Career information is found online on the main AAFP site at https://www.aafp.org/careers.
Therapeutic Index (page 1741)—Usually located near the end of each issue, this index of ads is organized by type of product. The index is available in print only.
AFP Directory (page 1584)—This section provides contact information and directions for submitting article proposals, sending comments, requesting permission to copy AFP content, and ordering reprints. This information is available online at https://www.aafp.org/afp (click on “Contact AFP” on the menu on the left side of the main page). It also includes important information about AFP editorial policies and CME objectives.
Additional Information on the Web Site
Editorial Advisory Board—This lists the many physicians who have volunteered their time and expertise to AFP. They serve as liaisons to their specialties and the organizations they represent. It is found online at https://www.aafp.org/afp/eab.
Authors' Guide—If you are considering writing an article for AFP, this is your first step. The guide includes all the detailed information you need to submit an article proposal, start writing an article, or submit a manuscript. You can find it on the AFP Web site at https://www.aafp.org/afp/authors.
EBM Toolkit—This information is provided for readers who want to learn more about evidence-based medicine and for authors preparing manuscripts for publication. It features the expanded EBM Glossary, guidelines for rating evidence, recommended sources of EBM articles, and other resources. It is found online at https://www.aafp.org/afp/ebmtoolkit.
AFP Seeking Medical Editing Fellow Applicants
The AAFP and the Department of Family Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital jointly sponsor a unique one-year fellowship in medical writing and editing, combined with an academic faculty development position. The fellow works as apprentice editor to Jay Siwek, MD, Editor of AFP, and is also involved in many faculty development activities. The next fellowship term begins July 1, 2008, and interested candidates should apply now. For more information, see https://www.aafp.org/fellowships/10198.html. To obtain a brochure, go to http://gumc.georgetown.edu/departments/familymed/fellowships/index.html.