From the Editor-in-Chief

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, August, 2008 by Perry Robins

Six years ago, I started the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD) and I can tell you that it is an exciting time to be a part of this new journal. Already in 2008, the JDD has experienced unsurpassed growth and is making big strides towards 2009. I would like to take this opportunity to share some of our new strategies to continue to grow our readership and make a considerable impact in the medical literature of our practice. We are committed to becoming a journal second to none.

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I am elated to announce that Dr. James Spencer has accepted the responsibilities as the JDD's new Co-Editor-in-Chief. He brings with him an impeccable reputation from his past editorial success and as a mainstay in the dermatological community. He is widely published and has lectured extensively, both indicative of an individual truly dedicated to the teaching of others. Also, last Fall, Laura Feiker took over the helm as Editor of the JDD and, over the past few months, has demonstrated the kind of leadership the JDD needs for success and longevity. Dr. Spencer will be working closely with Laura and myself, and I believe both of these key additions will contribute a younger generation of ideas along with the spirit and enthusiasm that will help the JDD evolve with the needs of our readers.

The August issue is the launch of a new look for the JDD, filled with more features and content on new peer-proven techniques, including contributions from our international colleagues. Also, you can visit JDDonline.com. We are continually adding content based on feedback from our readers including clinical pearls and CME opportunities. Also, over the next few months, the JDD will launch an interactive web portal for article submissions and to streamline and expand our peer-review process.

Recently, the JDD has been accepted for Impact Factor consideration by Thomson Reuters. Each year, Thomson Reuters' editorial staff reviews over 2000 journal titles and only selects around 10% to 12% of the journals evaluated. Selected journals are monitored to ensure that they maintain the high standards for which they are selected. The Impact Factor rating takes 3 years to assess, but the JDD is currently indexed in their databases, allowing more access to our content for a wider audience.

I would like to extend my appreciation to all those who have served or continue to serve as members of the JDD Editorial Board. These individuals are the backbone of which the integrity of our content depends. I would like to thank Drs. Susan Weinkle and Keyvan Nouri for fulfilling their terms as Co-Editors. They saw the JDD grow from 6 issues a year to a monthly publication, and their individual contributions have been integral to the JDD's development. Drs. Weinkle and Nouri will continue to participate in the JDD as Senior Editors.

Most importantly, I want to extend a big thank you to our readers. A journal is only as good as its content, and looking back over 6 years of issues, my admiration continues to grow for those who strive to innovate and share those innovations with others through their submissions to the JDD. As a physician, my practice has benefited from reading these submissions, and my goal is to continue to evolve the JDD as the premiere resource for every physician to help them in their own practices.

Sincerely,

Perry Robins MD

Professor Emeritus of Dermatology

NYU School of Medicine

New York, NY