Dr Romero: New associate editor

Abstract

The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Roberto Romero as our newest Associate Editor. Dr Romero's nomination brings great distinction to our Journal. Dr Romero is the Chief of the Perinatology Research Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, housed in the State of Michigan. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree (magna cum laude) from the University del Zulia in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Yale University. He then joined the faculty at Yale University, becoming associate professor in only 4 years. In 1992, he was appointed Chief of the Perinatology Research Branch at the National Institutes of Health. Dr Romero is extraordinarily well known both in the United States and internationally for his work on prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies, as well as his revolutionary work on infection and prematurity. He has published several books, including the outstanding and acclaimed Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Anomalies. He has published more than 300 original articles, the majority having brought our scientific community a long way forward in understanding the mechanisms by which infection leads to premature labor and delivery. Recently, he pioneered the concept of the “fetal inflammatory response syndrome,” suggesting that fetal inflammation is linked to the onset of premature labor and that the multisystemic involvement in this condition can lead to fetal injury such as brain damage, which predisposes to the subsequent development of cerebral palsy. Many of Dr Romero's papers have been published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Furthermore, he has served for many years as a reviewer for our Journal and is among the most frequently suggested reviewers by authors submitting new manuscripts to us. For his accomplishments and contributions, Dr Romero has received many awards, including the President's Achievement Award from the Society for Gynecologic Investigation and Research Excellence Awards from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He has been invited as visiting professor at prestigious universities worldwide and has, for many years, shared with visiting research fellows from around the world his knowledge and thirst for understanding through basic and clinical research. Dr Romero's energy and insight are legendary, and his addition to our already outstanding team of Editors will greatly enhance the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.