AC&R has successfully set itself apart from A&R by establishing a unique identity through the inclusion of content on healthcare policy and articles of interest to healthcare professionals; AC&R receives more than enough high-quality submissions to warrant its autonomy. A complement to the strength of its articles is the power and reach of AC&R’s identity. It was from this position of strength that the decision was made to separate AC&R and A&R, and to promote AC&R from a section to a journal. In this separation, we will strengthen each publication and allow both to grow optimally. The ACR will maintain its position as the owner of the top rheumatology journals, as well as the greatest share of the rheumatology readership, both national and international.
Looking Ahead
While certain organizational aspects of the journals are changing, what will not change is the way our readers will receive their copies of AC&R and A&R. The journals will continue to arrive as they have in the past and readers should not expect any major changes in the content, submission requirements, or review procedures as a result of AC&R’s promotion to become an independent journal, separate from A&R. Indeed, we believe the establishment of AC&R as an independent journal will allow participation from a greater number of investigators and will allow AC&R to continue to publish the pertinent and timely research for which it has become known.
As we work toward having two of the strongest, most recognized, and best-respected journals in rheumatology, the ACR will also benefit from having two impact factors and two avenues for submission based on the topic area for which an article is best suited. We look forward to a new and exciting time in the history of the journals of ACR.
Dr. Gabriel is president of the ACR. Contact her via e-mail at [email protected].
