The Saturday Evening Post has undergone several transformations in its long history dating back to Benjamin Franklin who promoted the Pennsylvania Gazette as “The Universal Instructor in all Arts and Sciences.” When the name changed to The Saturday Evening Post, the mission expanded to “A Family Newspaper: Neutral in Politics: Devoted to General News, Literature, Science, Morality, Agriculture and Amusement.” In 1899, George Horace Lorimer, the editor of The Saturday Evening Post, claimed the magazine’s purpose was to “interpret America for America.”
Fast forward 80 years and the Post continued to monitor the pulse of America when Cory SerVaas, M.D. became editor. As a physician, Dr. Cory brought her passion for prevention and health care education to the magazine. As a doctor and a journalist, she wrote about the latest advances in science, medicine, fitness, and nutrition to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Dr. Cory interviewed the world’s leading scientists, physicians, and researchers, translating complex medical research into easy-to-read and understand articles. Throughout her career, she has responded to thousands of letters from our readers, some even crediting her with saving their lives or the life of a loved one.
After nearly 40 years at the helm of The Saturday Evening Post, Dr. Cory has retired—sort of. As editor and publisher emeritus, she remains a guiding force as the Post moves forward in our mission to disseminate information and advance medical knowledge. As the Post historian, Dr. Cory will also reflect on America’s medical history as presented in the magazine, including contributions made by Benjamin Franklin.
Visit our our retrospective of  “The History of Health and Medicine in America.” The site also features Dr. Cory’s in-depth interviews with some of the world’s leading scientists, including the “man of fiber” Dr. Denis Burkitt, genome pioneer Dr. Craig Venter, “ulcer cure” researcher Dr. Barry Marshall, bipolar expert Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison, to mention but a few.
For a glimpse of future medical innovations, read “The Future Is Now” to learn more about emerging breakthroughs that may very well revolutionize medical care. I was especially intrigued by the information about “smart textiles”—fabrics that may monitor vital signs like blood pressure and temperature or serve as artificial skin for people with severe burns.
This issue also includes Our Artists’ Brush with Spring, featuring covers by Post artists Stevan Dohanos and John Clymer, a visit with natural-living advocate Sara Snow, a glimpse of the grandest lobbies in America, and an exclusive with Natalie Cole. And if you don’t know what to do with your old clothes, you might take comedian Rita Rudner’s humorous suggestions: Think vintage and classic—just like the Post!

Joan SerVaas
Publisher, The Saturday Evening Post magazine

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