In this issue, the JCI inaugurates a new series on Science in Medicine. With this series and another on Science and Society, the journal seeks to expand its role as a voice for important issues that impact the academic health care community. The Science in Medicine series is designed to help bridge the gap between scientific discoveries made at the bench and the practice of medicine. The first article in the Science in Medicine series examines how advances in the understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of asthma have formed the basis for novel and effective therapeutics that are used daily in patient care (1). The Science and Society series looks to explore the meaning behind society’s many ways (eg, governmental policy, economics, ethics, religion, and politics) of molding the course of biomedical education and research. The first articles in the Science and Society series addressed the complexities that intellectual property rights have introduced into the conduct of biomedical research (2) and shortcomings in the infrastructure of science education in the United States (3). Future articles will focus on the decline of the academic mission in US health centers, the future of biomedical research publishing, and the impact of politics on scientific research.

Last spring the JCI conducted a readership survey to help guide the new Editorial Board in plotting a course for the journal over the next five years. Interestingly, of the 551 respondents, 96% of whom indicated that they are involved in biomedical research, over 67% reported that they also participate in patient care and teaching. This response supports the editors’ desire to enhance the scope of the JCI and make it an important journal for practicing academic physicians to read on a regular basis. It is our hope that the Science in Medicine series will become a valuable asset to the teaching physician on rounds and to medical students and house staff. As one anonymous respondent wrote,“It would be good to make [the JCI] more appealing to clinicians who do not do basic research but are interested in basic research.” Ultimately, better-informed physicians are better physicians for their patients.