Reflections on 30 Years of Publication

Abstract

As our journal embarks on its 30th year of publication, we reflect on the role it plays in the field of spinal cord medicine. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine (JSCM) was founded in 1977 as the Journal of the American Paraplegia Society. What began as part of a society's commitment to consolidating a professional field of spinal cord medicine is now a major forum for clinical issues as well as research on technical advances, quality of life issues, injury prevention, minimizing secondary complications, and exciting and controversial topics of neuroregeneration and restoration of function. From its early days in the setting of the Veterans' Administration, the journal has been nurtured by a relatively small pool of dedicated professionals and supporters that envisioned what we see today—a thriving field progressing and broadening at an ever increasing pace—and a journal that reflects that dynamism. Last year was an important one for The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. The year 2006 marked the first calendar year for online submission, peer review and manuscript tracking. In accordance with the experiences of other journals, we anticipated an increase in submissions of 25%, but 2006 brought us 53% more manuscripts than the prior year, excluding almost 30 papers submitted for JSCM's second special supplement on pediatric spinal cord injury. With 33 submissions from 14 foreign counties, JSCM has clearly found its place in the international arena. JSCM continues its commitment to improving the standard of care by bringing its readers the clinical practice guidelines issued by the Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine. In 2007, we will feature consensus papers generated by NIDRR and other professional groups, which will be important contributions to the peer-reviewed literature in our field, as well as the clinical and scientific abstracts of the annual meetings of American Paraplegia Society and American Spinal Injury Association. The journal's tremendous growth would not be possible without the significant contributions of its hardworking Editorial Board and ever-expanding board of peer reviewers. These busy clinicians and researchers have supported the journal's growth with many volunteer hours, ensuring the quality of JSCM's content and providing guidance to fellow professionals. We acknowledge their integral role in JSCM's success, and encourage more of you to confront the challenges of spinal cord injury by sharing your knowledge and expertise as authors and reviewers. We look forward to another year of advances that will improve the lives of individuals with injury or dysfunction of the spinal cord.