NEWS RELEASE

Columbia, MD — The American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Morley, MB, BCh, as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA). Dr. Morley received his medical training at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and is board certified in internal medicine, endocrinology and geriatrics. Dr. Morley brings to the position extensive experience in journal publishing, an impressive background in geriatrics, and a passion for long-term care research, education, and practice.

"Dr. Morley's reputation as a clinical leader, educator, prolific author, and popular lecturer are well-known and respected throughout AMDA, the field of geriatrics, and long term care internationally. We are confident that he will take JAMDA to the next level-continuing to improve the quality of articles, opening the submission process to rank-and-file AMDA members, and creating a stronger interdisciplinary focus," said AMDA Executive Director Lorraine Tarnove. Dr. Morley officially begins his new position on January 1, 2007.

A long-time academician and researcher, Dr. Morley is Dammert Professor of Gerontology and Director of the Division of Geriatric Medicine, St. Louis University Medical School, and Director of Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, St. Louis VA Medical Center. He also is a medical director at several long term care facilities in the St. Louis area. Past editor of the Journal of Gerontology, he also has served in various editorial capacities for a number of prestigious publications.

With Dr. Morley's appointment, the JAMDA editorial operations will move to his offices at St. Louis University and will be staffed by Managing Editor Valerie Tanner, formerly of The Gerontologist. Dr. Morley also will bring on board an editorial team based at Saint Louis University, including Associate Editors David Thomas, MD, and Julie Gammack, MD.

Daniel Osterweil, MD, CMD, has been the journal's editor-in-chief since its inception. Under his leadership, the publication has addressed a wide array of clinical and physician management topics. The journal has not shied away from controversy, addressing issues such as bed rails, tube feeding, and end-of-life decision making in provocative articles. Additionally, JAMDA has offered unique articles about best practices and quality issues such as the implementation and use of clinical practice guidelines.

"Dr. Osterweil has helped the journal grow into a respected and valued publication," said Tarnove. She added, "He has been and will continue to be part of the transition. He fully supports Dr. Morley's appointment and will continue to serve on the journal's editorial board."

JAMDA was established in 2000. It was then and continues to be the only peer-reviewed, indexed journal that focuses completely on long term care. JAMDA gained early recognition in the field as a leading source of clinical articles, practical studies, and commentary. The journal was accepted in Index Medicus on its first application. Additionally, the ISI included JAMDA in its database on its own initiative, without an application by the publisher.

The search for a new JAMDA editor-in-chief began last year and was conducted by a team of AMDA members appointed by then-President David Smith, MD, CMD.

The American Medical Directors Association is the national professional association committed to continuous improvement of the quality of patient care by providing education, advocacy, information, and professional development for medical directors and other physicians who practice across the long-term care continuum.