Canadian journal fires top editors

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) this week fired its top two editors of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), editor John Hoey and Senior Deputy Editor Anne Marie Todkill, noting the need for a ?fresh approach.? The decision came after the journal went head-to-head with the CMA over a controversial article, causing board members to say the popular editors were fired to undermine editorial independence.?This is an enormous disappointment to the members of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the public at large, and the broader international community,? Board member Philip Devereaux at McMaster University in Ontario told The Scientist. Devereaux said he was ?strongly urging? the CMA to reinstate the editors, arguing a reversal was ?essential? to ensuring the journal?s reputation.The announcement came days after editorial board member Jerome Kassirer submitted a report criticizing the CMA for interfering with the journal. ?It was Friday I sent the report, and...