The International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) was established in 2007 in response to the increasing interest in medical travel and medical tourism. It embraces many of the themes that challenge healthcare providers across the world - insurance, accreditation, marketing and promotion, quality, patient safety, levels of care and experience in treating international patients. The International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ) is independent of the associations and special interest groups that have come aboard the medical tourism bandwagon. However, IMTJ welcomes the views of these associations and all who are involved in the evolving medical travel sector. Our aim is to create a central focus for information, resources and opinion on medical travel for those involved in the industry, anywhere in the world. The internationalisation of healthcare through health tourism is at the heart of IMTJ. Patients are becoming healthcare consumers and in many countries, patient choice is being extended to surgery and treatment provided by international hospitals and clinics. By sharing expertise, knowledge, and views the health travel industry can ensure that patient expectations are met, and the industry maintains a high reputation. IMTJ is owned and operated by LaingBuisson: www.laingbuisson.com