It is too early to say whether a “phoenix will arise from the ashes” of the Royal College Annals, but if one does it's unlikely to be a scientific journal, the college's CEO says. “I don't think there is any consideration for pursuing that,” says Dr. Michel Brazeau.
The last issue of the Annals, which had published for 34 years, was printed in December (CMAJ 2003; 168[3]: 325).
Brazeau says the college held a retreat in January to discuss publishing and other issues, and there are ongoing consultations about the need for a publication that would be expanded beyond Dialogue, its existing newsletter. Asked if an online-only publication might be in the offing, he said consultants had told the college to move in this direction 2 years ago. “Now, we're being told not to give up on the print format.”
Brazeau said the decision to close the Annals was made after the college “took a fundamental look at its value to members.”
He said the move has drawn little reaction. “Practically none,” he said. “I can count the responses on the fingers of my hand.” — Patrick Sullivan, CMAJ