Abstract

To the Editor:

Case reports have come under attack by the medical community, and although historically they have played an integral part in the medical literature, many prestigious journals have stopped publishing case reports. I was disappointed to see the Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) following suit. In the past, the SMJ featured multiple case reports in each issue; however, at this time, case reports are no longer considered. The SMJ explains that they are being reevaluated as to their role in the journal’s “educational and scientific mission.”¹ Case reports are not only educational but also should continue to be part of the journal’s mission. The SMJ has stated its intent is to “provide the best possible care for patients in this age of rapidly changing modern medicine”²; however, I believe that the lack of case reports for physician education will negatively affect the ability to fulfill this mission.