Fleeting Time

Abstract

“How pleasant it is, at the end of the day, No follies to have to repent; But reflect on the past, and be able to say, That my time has been properly spent.” Rhymes for the Nursery, The Way to Be Happy, Jane Taylor 1783–1824 This issue of the Journal marks the beginning of my third year as Editor-in-Chief. As I reflect on this time, I am pleased to say that my overwhelming feeling is that it has been properly spent. With the help of a remarkable group of Associate Editors, Deputy Editors, and Editorial Staff and the unparalleled assistance, guidance, and unfailing commitment of a friend and Assistant Editor, many of the changes that I envisioned for the Journal have become reality. Indeed, readers now expect and encounter Editorials, Review Articles, and Clinical Vignettes, among other offerings, each month. Moreover, the selection of articles in each issue continually reflects excellent science and a growing variety of subject matter, the natural consequence of the readership/authors submitting more than 600 new manuscripts for publication each year. Over the next year, I envision further growth and positive evolution for JBMR. In this regard, the Editors will concentrate on publishing supplements to the Journal that will cover areas of exceptional importance to the bone and mineral community. In addition, I hope to see further evolution of the Letters to the Editor section, as well as Book Reviews. In fact, I foresee that JBMR, serving the scientific and clinical communities in an evolving era of health care delivery systems, will have to respond to the needs of these diverse populations and be prepared to continually change. The first evidence of such change appears in this issue. It is my pleasure to welcome L. Joseph Melton III, M.D., as a newly-appointed Associate Editor. Many of you know him and will recognize immediately that he brings a gifted and novel expertise to the Editorial Staff. His interest in epidemiology and osteoporosis will clearly serve us well. Most importantly, he is not easily overwhelmed, as evidenced by his continued commitment to the Journal, in spite of the load of paperwork “dumped” on him by our Assistant Editor, Adrienne Lea, in order that he become knowledgeable about operation procedures. As we move into this third year of operation, our Editorial Staff growing to meet the demands, we look forward to a continued and successful evolution. We are grateful to the readership for their support and look forward to enjoying the next phase of development together. Let's continue to enjoy the ride. Marc K. Drezner, M.D.