Our Journal: A New Era

Abstract

The Roman deity, Janus, guardian of the gates of heaven, presided over the entrance upon or beginning of all things. In that special duty, he is portrayed with one face on the front and another on the back of his head, representing simultaneous vigils over past and future events. In 1980, in the month dedicated to the memory of Janus, my close friend and colleague Bill Schaffner and I introduced a new scientific journal that would focus on hospital epidemiology and all aspects of infection control.' In that quest we were ably assisted by Sue Crow, Dennis Maki, John McGowan, and a talented editorial advisory board (Figure). In the past decade those of us explorers have been amply rewarded for our efforts: Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology is now the shining jewel in the field and has just completed its best year since the original issue. In January of 1993, we enter a new year and a new era for our Journal as I pass responsibilities on to my successor as editor, Mike Decker. I look forward to assisting him in the transition and to following the progress of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. As an insatiable explorer, I seek novel adventures ahead with the launching of a sister journal dedicated to its namesake, Clinical Performance and Quality Health Care. My new fellow travelers and I are mindful of the admonitions given to truly great Columbian adventurers seeking a new land in the late 15th century: it is possible that the world is flat and that continued pursuit into the unknown will lead to the edge and a precipitous fall. To help us, however, our new ship's flag will carry the image of Janus, and our compass will be the lessons learned with Infection iLC EDITORIAL BOARD