From the New Editor

Neurology has had three previous editors-in-chief: founding editor, Russell N. DeJong, MD (1951-1976), whose journal helped shape the dimensions and scope of our field; Lewis P. Rowland, MD (1977-1987), who mentored a generation of authors in both their science and their language; and Robert B. Daroff, MD (1987-1996), whose clarity of thought and strength of leadership expanded the journal to become the major vehicle of communication in clinical and academic neurology. Bob Daroff has been a great help and inspiration to me as I undertake this new role.

My goals as new editor are: (1) to continue to foster Neurology's role as the leading journal of clinical neuroscience; (2) to serve the needs of the AAN membership with regard to practice, legislative, educational, and academic issues; (3) provide the international neurology community, the fastest growing segment of Academy membership, with a journal that meets their needs; and (4) utilize electronic media to make Neurology maximally accessible and current.

What specific changes are planned for Neurology? (1) Electronic communication. The journal index went up on the AAN web site in September 1996. Article abstracts will soon be added and the Newsletter will also be available. Our new publisher, Lippincott-Raven, has the expertise to move the journal on-line. We intend to move Neurology in this direction with appropriate speed. Effective immediately, we will request the final version of accepted manuscripts on diskette. (2) Expedited publication. Neurology already attracts much of the best clinical neuroscience in the world. Steps initiated by Dr. Daroff and supported by the Academy's Executive Board have shortened the time from acceptance to publication to less than 24 weeks. We intend to more rapidly review manuscripts (7-10 days) and will assign a limited number of pages of the journal for expedited work, aiming for a 14-16 week turnaround from submission to publication. The highest quality research work deserves rapid dissemination. (3) Expansion of the number of reviews and editorials to provide our readership with a balanced perspective on the implications of advances in neuroscience. (4) Commentary on "hot topics." We plan to provide perspective and encourage dialogue on scientific, clinical, educational, economic, and ethical issues pertaining to our specialty.

The journal office moved to Rochester, New York, as of January 1, 1997. The move was facilitated enormously by the administrative expertise of Lise Millay Stevens, MA, Editorial Associate, who has relocated to Rochester. Five new Rochester-based editors will be taking a substantive role in the operations of the editorial office. Karl Kieburtz, MD, will be associate editor and editor for supplements. Dr. Kieburtz's expertise in experimental therapeutics signals the journal's interest in serving as a major vehicle for advancing the treatment of neurological disease. Three assistant editors have been selected who can offer valuable input to the journal: Charles Duffy, MD, PhD-systems physiology and epilepsy; Leon Epstein, MD-child neurology and molecular neurovirology; Michael McDermott, PhD-biostatistics and experimental therapeutics. Dr. Michael McQuillen will serve as editor of the Newsletter.

Neurology has had a remarkably strong and participatory editorial board and a cadre of dedicated reviewers. I expect to continue to rely on these groups heavily. I have already had helpful input from the editorial board.

The journal is interested in publishing the best possible clinical neuroscience and will place the highest priority on work pertinent to the clinical or academic neurologist. High quality, peer-reviewed work on the history of neurology, on educational methods and issues, and on the practice of neurology, also belong in our journal. Clinical neuroscience is expanding rapidly in its scope and clinical impact. It is my hope that Neurology will do the same.