Emerging Subspecialties in Neurology: Becoming an Editor-In-Chief

Area of Science:

• Medical Journalism
• Scholarly Publishing

Background:

• The Editor-in-Chief (EIC) role is crucial for maintaining journal quality and managing editorial operations.
• Key attributes for an EIC include a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and effective communication skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide insights into the journey of becoming an Editor-in-Chief.
• To offer practical advice for aspiring medical writers and editors pursuing leadership roles in academic publishing.

Main Methods:

• Interviews with current Editors-in-Chief of prominent medical journals: Dr. Steven L. Lewis (Continuum), Dr. Joseph E. Safdieh (Neurology Today), and Dr. S. Andrew Josephson (JAMA Neurology).
• Compilation of expert advice and experiences shared during the interviews.

Main Results:

• The EIC role demands a passion for the editorial process and the ability to guide section editors and authors.
• Successful EICs possess a keen ability to manage content, style, and the daily tasks of publication.

Conclusions:

• Aspiring medical editors should cultivate a dedicated work ethic and attention to detail.
• The experiences of seasoned Editors-in-Chief offer a valuable roadmap for career development in medical journal editing.