The groundbreaking work by Everett Rogers’ introduction of The
Diffusion of Innovation model has demonstrated immense impact in the
past 40 years. The multidisciplinary application with thousands of articles
and activities has helped advance the pace of human development and
progress.
This special supplementary issue of the Journal of Health Communication
is not only honorific of Dr. Rogers, but also highlights key areas presented
at an academic symposium at The George Washington University along with
submissions from leading academics from the throughout the world.
The evidence and research in this issue offer many ideas and examples.
Yet, making a difference in advancing health requires understanding
of these principles with further refinement and application for local
context and global impact. Each of us – whether in teaching, research,
or practice – are implicitly and explicitly diffusing innovation
in health daily.
Finally, on a personal note, Dr. Rogers has also played a special role
as a founding member of the Journal of Health Communication’s editorial
board. Having such a renowned and respected mentor has helped diffuse
the epistemologic and ontologic analysis and application propelling
this Journal to the top in the field of Communication journals. It is
my hope that this issue of the journal also serves as a testament to
his fine and magnanimous contribution as a scholar, teacher and human
being; all the while adding to our knowledge base and contributing to
a better world.
_____
Scott C. Ratzan MD, MPA, MA is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal
of Health Communication: International Perspectives. He also holds
faculty appointments at Yale University School of Medicine, Tufts University
School of Medicine, George Washington University, University of Cambridge,
and the College of Europe. He serves as Vice President, Government Affairs,
Europe for Johnson & Johnson in Brussels.
