The changing of the calendar from one year to the next often inspires personal changes. From simple resolutions to eat less, save more money, or exercise more, to wider lifestyle changes; something about the transition inspires a similar move in many of us.

Here at HEALTHCARE DESIGN, as many of you have heard (and read in this very space last month), the change has come at the top; founding editor and guiding force Richard L. Peck has passed the Editor-in-Chief torch down to me starting with this issue. Not to embarrass Richard with praise, but I think it is fair to say that this magazine owes its very existence to his vision, and that he has done more to shape its overall success than any other individual on the editorial side of the ledger. I am stepping into some rather large shoes and hope to do Richard and the rest of you proud.

Thankfully, Richard is stepping sideways and not downwards; he will continue to have an active voice in these pages as he devotes more time to writing and developing stories, his real passion these days. Watch this space for a future announcement regarding a new regular department in which Richard will be able to address issues of the day in his own inimitable style, just as he did in this space since our first issue in 2001.

Given that the announcement of this transition first came at the HEALTHCARE DESIGN.08 conference last November in Washington, D.C., it seems particularly appropriate that my first issue as EIC is focused on highlights from the show. In addition to a look at this year’s Nightingale Award winners (pg.32) and products introduced at the show (pg.51), you’ll find a wrap-up of a roundtable discussion on the design of smart hospitals (pg.36), a Showcase on the Chili’s Care Center at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis (pg.40), and our monthly Art Corner, highlighting a sculptor who made the exhibition floor at HCD.08 truly memorable (pg.54). There’s also more exclusive content from the show on our Web site (http://healthcaredesi.wpengine.com), including video clips and more.

Needless to say, I’m thrilled at the opportunity to be leading HEALTHCARE DESIGN into 2009 and beyond, and I hope all of you stick around for the ride during what is sure to be an eventful year. My (electronic) door is always open, and I encourage readers to drop me a line at [email protected] to let me know how we’re doing and what’s happening in your corner of the world.



Todd Hutlock, Editor-in-Chief

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Healthcare Design 2009 January;9(1):8