Implementation of Electronic Publishing and Distribution

This is my fifth editorial letter to you since I became the Editor-in-Chief of International Surgery by election of the governance of the International College of Surgeons.

We set a goal in November 2010 to implement electronic publishing and distribution of International Surgery as soon as reasonably possible. In November 2011, the International Executive Council voted unanimously approving actions to implement electronic publishing and distribution beginning in 2012. I am happy to now advise you, with this issue 97.1, that this goal is being fulfilled.

As part of the implementation, we will also activate an electronic peer review management system to facilitate the review of the many scientific/medical manuscripts that are now being submitted to me as Editor-in-Chief. Not only will this system require less personal intervention in the overall peer review process, but it will also expedite the review process and will allow for the publishing of approved manuscripts in a shorter period of time. As earlier reported, these actions will lead to overall quality improvement of International Surgery and will assist in making International Surgery one of the top surgical journals in the field of surgery.

Beginning with this 97.1 issue of International Surgery, every Fellow in the International College of Surgeons will receive this 97.1 issue and all future issues without separate fees being charged. This enhances membership in the International College of Surgeons with this most important added value. With International Surgery, every Fellow will have the opportunity to publish original studies on clinical, experimental, cultural, and historical topics pertinent to surgery and related fields that are peer reviewed by surgeons and surgical experts. A professional journal helps to foster collegiality through an enhanced identity and presence in the global field of surgery. This is the basis for any Fellow to be a member of any professional society, including the International College of Surgeons.

Since becoming Editor-in-Chief, with the assistance of Associate Editors Dr Fidel Ruiz-Healy and Professor Yik-Hong Ho, I have also commenced the organization of approved manuscripts by surgical specialty. We recognize the rapidly increasing specialization of surgery and are taking action in recognition of this major trend. Every medical school graduate now has a specialty. Over time, we intend to arrange the affairs of International Surgery to be in complete synchronization with surgical specialization. I make a special note to all readers that two earlier additional, special issues of International Surgery have already been published—and more will come.

I close this letter by indicating that International Surgery will publish the abstracts of papers presented at the International College of Surgeons 38th World Congress in Brisbane, Australia, November 7–10, 2012. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee is Associate Editor Professor Yik-Hong Ho.

Thank you for your continued support and for your ongoing suggestions/commentary as we proceed. In my last editorial letter to you, I indicated that “we look forward to implementing these exciting plans in 2012.” With this 97.1 issue, I am delighted to advise that we have implemented the initial plans!

Thank you.