Journal of general internal medicine
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Medical journal publishing has changed dramatically over the past decade. The shift from print to electronic distribution altered the industry's economic model. This was followed by open access mandates from funding organizations and the subsequent imposition of article processing charges on authors. ⋯ The very unusual economic model of this industry makes it vulnerable to disruptive change. The economic model of medical publishing is rapidly evolving and this will lead to disruption of the industry. These changes will accelerate dissemination of science and may lead to a shift away from lower-impact journals towards pre-print servers.
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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common monogenetic condition in the United States (US) and one that has been subjected to a history of negative bias. Since SCD was first described approximately 120 years ago, the medical establishment has, directly and indirectly, harmed patients by reinforcing biases and assumptions about the disease. Furthermore, negative biases and stigmas have been levied upon patients with SCD by healthcare providers and society, researchers, and legislators. This article will explore the historical context of SCD in the US; discuss specific issues in care that lead to biases, social and self-stigma, inequities in access to care, and research funding; and highlight interventions over recent years that address racial biases and stigma.