August 2002: What's Happening on Medscape Rheumatology?
This is the first in a series of columns to alert you about what's new and what's coming soon at Medscape Rheumatology. I'll be using this column as a way to update you on what's new on the site, take you on mini-tours of various site features, seek your feedback and input on issues of importance to you, and discuss major topics of interest in the field.

Medscape itself has been in business since 1995 and remains one of the oldest, continuously operating medical information Web sites. Medscape Rheumatology was launched in 1999 with an editorial board featuring some of the finest names in the field. Since then, the site has expanded to showcase news, clinical articles, Ask the Experts, and in-depth conference coverage. More information about Medscape Rheumatology is available here. Considering submitting a manuscript for publication? To submit a query and to receive author guidelines, email me. We are interested in clinical articles, interactive cases using images, letters to the editor, and editorials/commentaries.

Recently published articles on Medscape Rheumatology include a Medscape Medical News story on how antifilaggrin antibody levels may be correlated with activity scores in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In other news, a report from the BMJ suggests that prescribed, graded aerobic exercise may significantly reduce fibromyalgia symptoms, in some cases, better than other therapies. And a new article from Scientific American Medicine discusses the American College of Rheumatology's new recommendation for management of rheumatoid arthritis.

At the top of every Medscape page, you'll see a list of sections across the width of the screen, beginning with the word "Home." Click on Discussions to get to this issue's feature showcase. The Discussions section highlights interactive features on Medscape Rheumatology. In this section, physicians can ask a clinical question of a peer in Ask the Experts or you can read answers to questions that others have asked. You can also start or join a discussion in the Discussion Boards displayed on this page.

Upcoming features on the site include Medscape's coverage of the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting, taking place October 25-29, 2002, in New Orleans. The coverage will feature in-depth topic reviews describing the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic disease as well as news on individual sessions and policy issues. Watch the "Conference Coverage" section of the Medscape Rheumatology home page for more information.

You can receive updates on what's new in Medscape Rheumatology's weekly email newsletter MedPulse. (If you do not already subscribe to the Rheumatology MedPulse, simply go here to update your profile to receive this and other specialty editions via email each week.)

As always, we value your feedback. Please let me know how we are doing, what new features we might offer, and how we might make the site work better for you. I may not be able to answer every email message personally, but I do read every message and will consider how we can best respond to your needs and your specific suggestions. You can reach me directly at rheumatologyeditor@webmd.net. (If your concern is technical, however, please contact our customer support staff at medscapecustomersupport@webmd.net.)

I look forward to hearing from you and to continuing to expand and improve Medscape Rheumatology.