Lung Alerts were introduced by Wisia Wedzicha, Editor-in-Chief in 2003 to increase the educational content of the journal. The aim was to commission brief summaries of papers on respiratory topics published in non-respiratory journals, thereby attracting a broader interest particularly among doctors in training. It was also intended to allow readers to keep abreast of publications in journals to which Respiratory Specialists are less likely to subscribe.

At the time of writing, 372 Lung Alerts have so far been published from 2003 until June 2010 at an average of 4.25 per month. A further 15 are in press.

Of the 387 Lung Alerts we have edited, looking at contributors from a regional perspective, the largest proportion (44%) were from London and the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Deaneries. 8% of contributors have been from outside the UK. …