Dr. White: First, when we read articles, we put the time into getting quality reviews. That is helpful for everyone, but particularly for early career researchers, who can then take those reviews to enrich not only that article, but their approach to science moving forward in an independent fashion. It’s a growth mindset: Our work can be better, and the peer-review process is a key part of that. That’s why it is so important to deliver quality reviews that are set in a teachable sort of tone.
Second, ACR journals have a mentorship program, Rheum with a (re)View, that teaches early career investigators how to review articles. This program has a formal system in which the early career investigator does the manuscript review under the oversight of a later career person. This cultivates up-and-coming scientists by giving them recognition as a reviewer and also helping them understand what makes a good article, which enriches their own science. That helps everybody.
TR: Do you have any other plans for the journal?
Dr. Allen: One of the things that has changed gradually is the way people consume scientific information. ACR journals, as a whole, have podcasts, graphical abstracts and similar things so we can reach busy people. At AC&R, we, of course, want people to read the full manuscripts, but we also see the importance of disseminating snippets—the important points of the manuscripts—so that as many people as possible are aware of at least the key messages. To that end, we have already begun using social media and other avenues to do that, and are continuing to think about new ways to get those key messages in front of researchers, as well as patients and clinicians.
Overall, though, transitions in the editorial team really are natural opportunities to reflect and think about options for innovations that strengthen the journal. I’m sure there will be some new things, and we’re excited to see how those will roll out.
TR: Finally, for those readers who may know you only professionally or who may not have met you yet, would you like to share something about yourself on a more personal level?
Dr. Allen: Here are a few things I love: my wonderful husband and two sons, the outdoors, roadside produce stands and anything with ginger!
Dr. White: Well, I have a large family (a wife and six kids). I do enjoy photography, especially taking photos of people. It’s funny, but you can work with people your whole life, but never have a photo of them, so I take a lot of candid and portrait-type headshots to try to capture someone’s personality and speak to who they are. In fact, I often bring my camera to a conference, including Convergence, so you may see me out there taking pictures of my trainees in front of their posters or snapping photos of colleagues. It’s a lot of fun!
