Goals For 2013

I enthusiastically begin this year of 2013 as Editor-in-Chief of International Surgery. This is my third year to serve as Editor-in-Chief and this letter is my ninth editorial letter to you.

In my last Editorial Letter for Issue 97.4 last year, I reported that all of the goals that I had established for International Surgery two years ago, immediately following my election as Editor-in-Chief, have been accomplished.

It is now appropriate to consider goals for International Surgery for 2013. In so doing, I invite you to correspond directly with me regarding your thoughts pertaining to International Surgery 2013 goals, as I welcome your input.

Given our investment in online publishing last year, our overall goal, in 2013 and future years, is to reach out to all global areas of surgery, and continue to build awareness of the International College of Surgeons membership advantages by making International Surgery one of the pre-eminent communications modalities for all surgeons around the world.

In 2013, having changed to online publishing last year, we will publish “on time” with each of the quarterly issues being published no later than the end of each calendar quarter. We will streamline our electronic editorial review process to gain the advantages of efficiency and professionalism. We will also continue to streamline and improve all of our other operations.

In 2013, we will publish one or more special issues, in addition to the four quarterly issues. These special issues will feature prominent surgeons, and be funded by commercial entities which have a business presence in these areas of surgery. I will invite guest Editors to coordinate the scientific/medical manuscripts and the overall publication of these issues.

During the course of this year, we will also provide space in each issue for news pertaining to surgery worldwide and to news of the many, varied activities of the International College of Surgeons, including annual meeting information, section information, and changes in the College.

I look forward with great anticipation to addressing the challenges and opportunities available to us with International Surgery in 2013. We have only begun this journey and I invite you to join me as we progress throughout this year. I thank you for all of your superb past support and look forward to working with you in 2013.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Professor Christopher Chen

Editor-in-Chief

International Surgery