The Linacre Quarterly

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The Linacre Quarterly is a peer-reviewed academic journal that focuses on the intersections of medicine, ethics, and religion. It is the official journal of the Catholic Medical Association in the United States. The journal is named after Thomas Linacre, a distinguished Renaissance physician, scholar, and priest, who founded the Royal College of Physicians in London. The Linacre Quarterly aims to explore and elucidate the principles of Catholic moral teaching as they pertain to the practice of medicine and bioethics.

History

The Linacre Quarterly began publication in 1934, making it one of the oldest continuously published Catholic medical journals in the United States. It was established as a platform for discussing the moral and ethical aspects of medical practice, especially those issues that intersect with Catholic teaching and morality. Over the decades, the journal has addressed topics ranging from abortion, contraception, and end-of-life care to more recent issues such as genetic engineering, stem cell research, and the ethical implications of emerging medical technologies.

Scope and Content

The journal publishes a variety of content types, including original research articles, review articles, case studies, commentaries, and book reviews. The Linacre Quarterly is committed to a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the quality and integrity of the scholarship it publishes. Its articles often reflect a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from the fields of medicine, philosophy, theology, and law.

Editorial Policies

The Linacre Quarterly adheres to a set of editorial policies that uphold the journal's commitment to the Catholic moral tradition. Contributors are expected to respect the journal's ethos, although they need not be Catholic themselves. The journal encourages submissions that offer new insights into the ethical dimensions of medical practice and healthcare policy, particularly those that engage with the rich intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church.

Impact and Reception

The Linacre Quarterly has played a significant role in shaping discussions within Catholic circles and beyond about the moral and ethical dimensions of medicine. It serves as a critical resource for healthcare professionals, ethicists, clergy, and scholars interested in the dialogue between faith and medicine. The journal's contributions to debates on controversial issues have often been cited in broader discussions about medical ethics and religious morality.

Access and Distribution

The Linacre Quarterly is available in both print and digital formats. It is accessible through various academic databases and its website, allowing for a wide readership among academics, practitioners, and those interested in the intersection of medicine, ethics, and religion.

Affiliations

As the official journal of the Catholic Medical Association, The Linacre Quarterly maintains a close relationship with this organization, reflecting and promoting its mission and values. The journal often features contributions from members of the association, as well as from leading figures in the fields of medical ethics and religious studies.