Saturday, 25 July 2015

Because 'The BMJ' did not publish my 'rapid response' without explanation

In response to an article 'Doctors and medical students in India should stop wearing white coats' written by Dr. Edmond Fernandes and published in 'The BMJ' on 21 July 2015, I wrote a short 'rapid response' on 22 July 2015 which 'The BMJ' has not yet published (The BMJ usually publishes all rapid responses within 24 hours). The rapid responses submitted in response to this article after 22 July 2015 have already been published. I wrote an email to Sharon Davis (Letters Editor) but haven't yet received any response.

So I am reproducing my 'rapid response' below with the hope that I would be able to find answers to my questions. Also not sure what is objectionable and/or against The BMJ's rapid response policies in this short rapid response which led The BMJ to decide not to publish it?

"Dear Dr. Fernandes
Have you tried implementing this idea at your workplace (Yenepoya Medical College) before suggesting it to the whole of India? If yes, then would you mind sharing the results (specially change in infection rate if any) with 'The BMJ' readers?
In fact, in this news article (Mangaluru: Yenepoya Medical College embarks on Cleanliness Drive, http://www.bellevision.com/belle/index.php?action=topnews&type=11384), the healthcare professionals of Yenepoya Medical College are seen sweeping roads wearing white coats. I sincerely hope that your 'The BMJ" article would make your coworkers more informed about infection control and the role of white coat.
best wishes
Mahesh Devnani"