A new chapter for the Journal

Those who read the pages at the front of each issue of the Journal will note that the college has been proudly publishing an academic journal since 1952. Those pages list the past editors-in-chief, among whom none is more distinguished than my immediate predecessor, Professor Jeff Szer. Jeff has been the longest-serving editor in the Journal's history, having taken the helm 20 years ago.

Over the 16 years I have worked under Jeff's leadership, I have admired his unwavering commitment to editorial independence and his impeccable command of the English language. As I now step into the role of editor-in-chief, I am determined to uphold the same editorial integrity Jeff championed. However, I must humbly admit that matching his mastery of grammar will be a challenge.

The hallmark of Jeff's leadership has been his unwavering support for his editorial board. He has never been less than 100% supportive of his editors. Editors are key to a journal such as ours. Many unseen and unpaid hours of work are invested by the editors for the benefit of us all.

Jeff also had a close and enduring working relationship with our editorial manager in Sydney, Virginia Savickis. Virginia continues in her role today. She is, in fact, the longest-serving employee of the college – a testament to her dedication and the continuity she brings to our operations. She has the added benefit of working with Louise Young-Wilson, whose technical skills at this particular time of transition for the Journal are an added blessing.

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians is a vital part of what is the Internal Medicine Journal. As the parent organisation, they bring stability and international recognition. The college has contributed to the recognition and indexing of the Journal by international bodies.

Of course, a journal is nothing without its readers and authors. Over the years, the publishing landscape has shifted. Authors have become increasingly central to the process, especially as universities have changed their funding models. Rather than paying for access to read journals, institutions now often pay publishers to make research open access. In parallel, the Journal has transitioned to an online-only format – a decision made by the college in support of environmental sustainability and in line with broader publishing trends.

I am excited about what lies ahead for the Journal. We aim to develop the Journal for and with the fellows of the college meeting their needs both as authors and as readers. For fellows and trainees of the college, this is your journal and it remains a vital point of connection with your college. Please be encouraged to email me at [email protected] with your comments and thoughts.