CMAJ • October 11, 2005; 173 (8). doi:10.1503/cmaj.051144.
© 2005 CMA Media Inc. or its licensors
All editorial matter in CMAJ represents the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Canadian Medical Association.
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NEWS
NOUVELLES

SYNOPSIS

Editorial Fellow

Looking at the big picture

Barbara Sibbald

CMAJ

Sally Murray brings a passion for public health and a love of writing to her new role as the 8th Editorial Fellow at CMAJ. Murray, an Australian physician, has worked in international health in Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and at the WHO in Geneva. She also has experience as a freelance writer.


Figure. Murray enjoying the Ottawa outdoors. (Rock sculptures on the Ottawa River by John-Félice Ceprano.) Photo by: Barbara Sibbald

After graduating from medical school in 1996, Murray spent time in emergency medicine, but was unsatisfied with clinical medicine. "It doesn't explain why people get sick," she describes. "I'm attracted to ‘big picture’ health, how to address things that affect the health of 2000 people rather than one. I'm fascinated with how things fit together and influence each other."

Her interest in the ‘big picture’ first led Murray to sociology and women's studies before she completed her master's degree in Public Health and Tropical Medicine and a second master's in Public Health Practice. In 2003, Murray was awarded the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine Medal for best graduating fellow; she also topped her class in both master's degrees.

In 2004 Murray and her husband, Dr. Hakan Yaman, worked in Kenya with MSF on an antiretroviral therapy program. "Being a twin got me interested in equity," quips Murray. She adds, "There are plenty of equity problems there. It still makes me angry. People die every day from treatable disease for no reason other than being poor. Our program treated only 2000 of the 40 000 in the area who needed antiretrovirals. How would you feel if your mother or brother missed out?"

Murray's move to CMAJ reflects her interest in "reaching the masses" and the power of the printed word. She is particularly drawn to medical journalism, in part because "it's not always done well," she says, "and what we write or print influences how people act. It's important to be less sensational and more accurate," Murray reflects. "We've got to get that right."

CMAJ's fellow, who acts as an associate scientific editor, spends a year reviewing submissions, corresponding with authors and working closely with the senior editorial team to develop clinical and editorial content.

Applications for the 2006 editorial fellowship must be received by Dec. 15, 2005 (www.cmaj.ca/misc/fellowship.shtml).





This Article
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Right arrow Articles by Sibbald, B.
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Right arrow Other medical education
Right arrow Other public health