From the Editor-in-Chief

     "Welcome to the latest issue of the MEJEM. A new year always brings the promise of new ideas and experiences, and this issue gets us off to an excellent start.

     Emergency physicians are familiar with the wide diversity of conditions seen on a daily basis in our hospital emergency units. Our first issue of the year focuses on two disparate specialities: obstetrics and orthopaedics. More than a third of our contributors are looking at the issues surrounding emergency obstetrics, including the sensitive topic of post-coital contraception. In contrast, two out of our four case studies are looking at some of the more unusual orthopaedic situations encountered in the emergency department, and make fascinating reading.

     Widening the horizon a little more, an original study on childhood poisoning in the UK, and one on Bacterial Keratitis, helps to highlight, again, the range of conditions presenting to emergency units. A highly relevant and thought provoking article, on oligoanalgesia in emergency departments, provides some sobering facts and figures on our failure to recognise and treat pain adequately during first-line treatments. All in all, I am confident that this issue of the MEJEM will stimulate you to review and reflect on aspects of your practice, which is an excellent way of identifying weaknesses, strengths and developing strategies for improvement.

     Finally, drawing together the themes mentioned above: new ideas, experiences and diversity, gives me the perfect opportunity to remind you all that the 3rd Qatar International Medical Congress is being held this November in Doha. So, don't forget to send off your applications, and remember to keep those diary dates free!

Dr. Abdul Wahab Al Mulseh, MD, FRCS (I), CABS Editor-in-Chief