Last month saw the launch of JAN's new campaign, #EthicsinAesthetics, through which we are trying to promote: the aesthetic practitioner's duty of care to their patients, the importance of adequate safety and training, and natural enhancement of patients' beauty. We are extremely happy with the positive response we have received from our readers so far, and excited to see where the campaign will take us next.
The campaign is off to a great start, but in order to make it a continued success, we need the help of our readers in getting involved and keeping the conversation going. There are several ways to participate, but the best way is by picking up the pen. A good way to start is by writing and submitting a guest editorial. This should be approximately 600 words on a topic of your choice, and it is a really great way of getting your voice heard and participating in this important conversation.
For those who may need more than 600 words to voice their opinions, we are also accepting comment and opinion pieces, professional articles and clinical review articles on the role of ethics in aesthetic practice. If you would be interested in writing for the journal, or would like more information on how to get involved, please contact the editor at betsy.fitzgerald@markallengroup.com, who will be happy to help with content ideas and writing tips.
We have received some great submissions so far, some of which are featured in this month's issue of JAN. First, Eda Gorbis and Justine Jamero explore the differences between body-dysmophic disorder and eating disorders—two distinct psychological conditions that make affected individuals highly aware of their image. In a sector where appearance often takes precedence, it is important that practitioners are aware of the conditions that can affect self-image, so that they are able to spot the warning signs and refer patients on for psychological help, where necessary.
This month's issue also features an article by Fiona Wondergem on what ethics means in medical aesthetics, in which the author attempts to define some of the terms and notions that make up the foundations of ethical practice in this sector. Among other things, Fiona argues for greater consideration with regards to responsible marketing of aesthetic procedures and products, highlighting the unlawful advertising of prescription-only medicines that we often see, not only online, but on the high street too. This is a significant concern to the sector, as it shows a disregard, or perhaps a total lack of knowledge, of the regulations that govern this sector of medicine. This is worrying, and highlights how needed the #EthicsinAesthetics campaign is in highlighting these issues and opening up the discussion of how we can tackle them.
Remember that we are making all of the articles related to the campaign free to access on our website, and will be sharing them on social media, so please do share them so that your colleagues and friends can read them too. For further information on getting involved in the campaign, please email the editor.