2010: A Year of Transitions

Abstract

This year marks the 33rd consecutive year that the Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine has served the SCI community. As it has many times in the past, the journal faces transitions that promise both challenge and opportunity. JSCM is now the official journal of the newly formed Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP), which comprises 4 sections, each representing the former associations that served SCI physicians (APS), psychologists and social workers (AASCIPSW), nurses (AASCIN), and therapist (TLC). Announced by the Academy Governance Board in January, this official designation formalizes the input of the spectrum of SCI professionals to JSCM and strengthens the journal's position among publications in the field. With the help of the ASCIP Journal Task Force, the Editorial Board is expanding with new members who will seek optimal ways to serve the membership of ASCIP as well as the global community. Later this year, JSCM will incorporate the content of Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, (TSCIR), a review journal published quarterly by Thomas Land Publishers for the past 16 years. Each issue of TSCIR has focused on the thorough coverage of a timely topic related to an aspect of spinal cord injury, an editorial plan that complements the research articles, meeting abstracts and clinical content of JSCM. The multidisciplinary approach of TSCIR, its long history of in-depth topic development and its relationships with experts in SCI will further enhance the reach and influence of the journal. Through more than 3 decades, dedicated volunteers and staff have nurtured the journal, numerous authors have submitted their work, and reviewers have donated their time and talent to ensure optimal standards of peer review. None of this would have been possible without the generous financial sponsorship of Paralyzed Veterans of America and in decades past, United Spinal Association. Now is an appropriate time to trace JSCM's history through the numerous transitions that have contributed to its status as an acknowledged resource for professionals involved in improving the lives of people with SCI, whether through scientific research or clinical care (1). I think you'll agree that in many ways, the growth of the field of SCI medicine and rehabilitation is reflected in this journal's journey. I encourage each of you to be a part of its future.