As a Canadian physician, I am increasingly embarrassed. Undoubtedly, the firing of CMAJ’s editor-in-chief and disbandment of the Journal Oversight Committee1 is about money, not a falling reputation.2
CMAJ is a source of pride and has been ever since John Hoey’s stewardship. In spite of what the CMA president or its executive may think, the journal has a sterling international reputation. To be guided by impact factors, (whatever they may be) is simply evidence of the CMA’s insufficient knowledge of the complex world of medical publishing. Hence, I wonder why the onus for reform and so on falls on CMAJ rather than on the CMA leadership, especially given the history of its relationship with the journal.
I would be interested to learn whether the membership was consulted or informed about this decision before it was taken. If the membership was not part of this vital decision, perhaps the logical next step is not to focus on the journal and its stalwart hanging-in editors, but rather on the CMA itself.