How long have you been on the board?

I have now been on the board for six years.

Besides having articles published in the JBJS Br - The Bone & Joint Journal, I initially got involved by being on the editorial board of Bone & Joint 360. Then subsequently I once met with Fares in Japan at a meeting and exchanged ideas and expressed my opinion as to how we could advance the reach of Bone & Joint. He suggested I drop in and meet with Emma whenever I was in London next. I had a very interesting meeting with Emma when I was in London and that resulted in me being invited on the board. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the board since.

Most of us now tend to specialise in selective fields. I specialise in Oncology and there is limited opportunity to academically interact with surgeons from other specialities. Being on the board gives me this opportunity. I tremendously enjoy and look forward to the interaction that we have when discussing select papers which are presented before the board for review. Listening and learning from diverse viewpoints of surgeons of different specialities and how they approach the review of a paper is extremely instructive and I have benefitted from these discussions. Being on the board also allows insights into the 'behind the scenes' functioning and effort that goes into sustaining a high quality regular academic endeavour.

Bone & Joint offers a lot of educational opportunities, both within the UK and even at international meetings where it holds interactive training sessions, offering attendees a chance to interact with Bone & Joint representatives. Do attend these sessions, offer your services as a reviewer and you will start to see the benefits of being more actively involved in Bone & Joint. Aim to publish in the Bone & Joint. Even if you are unsuccessful to begin with, the insightful comments offered by the editor and reviewers are extremely beneficial and help you enhance the quality of subsequent manuscripts you submit.