This Article Full Text (PDF) Purchase Article View Shopping Cart Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by McDonald, J. M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by McDonald, J. M.

(American Journal of Pathology. 2003;163:805.)
© 2003 American Society for Investigative Pathology

Editorial

A New Editor-in-Chief’s View Toward the Future

It is an honor and a challenge to become the tenth Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Pathology, especially following in the footsteps of pre-eminent previous editors such as James Madara, Nelson Fausto, and Vincent Marchesi in the past 20 years and before that Donald Hackel, Thomas Kinney, Carl Weller, and F.B. Mallory. The mission of the journal remains the same in this new century: to publish high-quality original papers on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease that report important findings on disease pathogenesis or basic biological mechanisms relating to disease. Times have changed, however. The "science" of pathology has progressed in the past century from descriptive tissue-based observations, through analysis of molecules in models of disease states to the future focused on molecular pathogenesis and molecular therapeutics for human disease. Thus, there is an increasing focus on translational research that directly impacts human disease. The American Journal of Pathology is ideally situated to capture the excitement of this evolving area of research. The catchwords of modern biomedical research including the "omics," prote- and gen-, regenerative medicine, human gene therapy, and "bench to bedside," all fit the portfolio of The American Journal of Pathology.

Gene P. Siegal, M.D., Ph.D., an excellent experimental pathologist, has assumed the Senior Associate Editorship. The new roster of outstanding Associate Editors is a combination of experienced scientists who have agreed to continue serving: Drs. Lora Hedrick Ellenson, Patricia D’Amore, Philip Furmanski, Setsuo Hirohashi, Sem Phan, and Charles Parkos, as well as new outstanding investigators: Drs. Jeffrey Cossman, Mary Hendrix, David Hockenbery, Andrew Lackner, Kevin Moore, Kevin Roth, and Jeffrey Saffitz. I want to sincerely thank outgoing Associate Editors Drs. Kenneth Bernstein, John Chan, Jonathan Fletcher, Edward Koo, Steven Kunkel, Massimo Pignatelli, and William Stetler-Stevenson, and Senior Associate Editor Godfrey Getz, all of whom have so capably served this past term.

Changes are inevitable and we hope to make those that enhance the value of The American Journal of Pathology to its readers. This goal is heightened by the realization that pathology is not a defined scientific discipline, but rather a scientific focus bringing together a myriad of scientific disciplines. In that regard, I am soliciting ideas for changes that you think would improve the journal. Currently (2001 JCR Science Edition), AJP has an impact rating of 7.103. We are in excellent company with other outstanding journals. For example, The Journal of Immunology and The Journal of Biological Chemistry have ratings of 7.065 and 7.258, respectively. Your ideas for improvement will be considered very carefully.

Specific areas that are currently being addressed:

1. Fast turnaround online submissions: We anticipate a turnaround time of 35 days from submission to decision.
   
2. Review articles: Beginning immediately, we will solicit topical reviews. We have developed a process and guidelines as outlined in the "Instructions to Authors" and encourage such submissions.
   
3. Subsections: We are considering subsections to help both our authors and our readers.
   
4. Top 10 list: Monthly, we will publish a list of The American Journal of Pathology’s top 10 most-read articles, to draw attention to classical and critical breakthroughs in science and medicine achieved through the journal.
   
5. Continuing medical education: We are exploring whether a continuing medical education program through The American Journal of Pathology is desirable and, if so, what is the best format in which to deliver it to readers.
   
6. Online activities: Journal clubs, grand rounds, and other options are also being considered.
   

I am certain that my job will be made infinitely easier due to the excellent editorial office under the leadership of Priscilla Markwood and her extraordinary staff.

Finally, I would like to thank Dr. Nelson Fausto, one of the truly great experimental pathologists and individuals. His devoted work writing "This Month in AJP" and his previous outstanding editorship of AJP have had a major impact on the journal. His commitment to the highest quality of academics is unsurpassed. And to Dr. Jim Madara, who handed the torch to me, I admire your performance as Editor-in-Chief and as one of the true leaders in academia, and know you will continue to be successful in your position as Dean of the Division of the Biological Sciences and the Pritzker School of Medicine, and Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of Chicago.

I look forward to your input as we move rapidly into an era that highlights the molecular pathogenesis of disease.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. M. McDonald, G. P. Siegal, and M. G. Eisemann Evolutionary Change and The American Journal of Pathology Am. J. Pathol., October 1, 2004; 165(4): 1055 - 1056. [Full Text] [PDF]

This Article Full Text (PDF) Purchase Article View Shopping Cart Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by McDonald, J. M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by McDonald, J. M.