Welcome to Nature Clinical Practice Rheumatology, one of a new series of clinical journals from the publishers of Nature. I have chosen to work with Nature Clinical Practice Rheumatology first and foremost because of Nature Publishing Group's well-established reputation for excellence. As you all know, rheumatology is a rapidly developing subspecialty. The advent of biologic therapies has changed rheumatology in profound ways; both the science underlying clinical care, as well as our approach to individual patients has changed dramatically and will continue to evolve as additional agents become available. During such periods of evolution, it is often difficult for the clinician to remain abreast of the latest developments that might make a difference in clinical decision making. I believe that it is important to provide a journal that will acquaint the clinician with the latest advances in the science of rheumatology quickly, succinctly and objectively. Nature Clinical Practice Rheumatology is one effective means to accomplish that goal.

This journal has several unique editorial features, which we hope will ease your reading workload and help you to interpret research at a practical level. Nature Clinical Practice Rheumatology actively seeks and summarizes publications in the highest-impact rheumatology, immunology and general medical journals, as well as highly relevant papers in journals that publish original research in the specialty less frequently.

...it is important to provide a journal that will acquaint the clinician with the latest advances in the science of rheumatology

Several types of article will be presented every month. First, the Editorial is a topical one-page article, and will in future issues be written by myself or a designee. Second, Viewpoint articles present the opinion of a leading specialist, again discussing topical issues in rheumatology and related fields. Third, Research Highlights summarize original and evidence-based articles published elsewhere. Practice Point articles focus on the highest-quality original research reports. Each consists of a structured synopsis written by the Nature Clinical Practice editorial team, accompanied by a commissioned commentary written by a leading authority in the field to put the original article into context. A one-sentence Practice Point underscores how the findings should affect the way clinicians treat their patients. These articles will appear in the first half of the journal.

The second half of the journal consists of timely and authoritative commissioned Reviews and Case Studies. As well as general reviews, there are various specialized review types that will appear, various combinations of which will be published in each month's issue. Therapy Insights explore medical conditions treated in other specialties that might have rheumatological manifestations, and what rheumatologists should know for effective patient management. Drug Insights and Technology Insights review the important emerging and established information rheumatologists need to know about a drug class, technology or technique. Mechanisms of Disease articles present the scientific background of disease development. Primer articles provide simple explanations of areas essential to the understanding of clinical research. Finally, Case Studies will be several pages long and will cover uncommon, and not so uncommon, presentations for which the discussion will have an educational emphasis.

To ensure the highest quality in the journal, its international Advisory Board will actively participate in identifying material to be covered, and all content, except the Editorial and the Research Highlights, will also undergo peer-review.

Given the variety of content, I truly believe Nature Clinical Practice Rheumatology will be an invaluable tool to academic and practicing rheumatologists, and it promises to become a premiere rheumatology journal.