Passing the Torch: New Editorial Team Offers Broadest Spectrum of Expert Medical Opinion in Pulmonary Hypertension

This issue of Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension renews our commitment to the pulmonary hypertension community to provide valuable, timely, peer-reviewed scientific information relevant to clinical practice. Beginning with its first issue more than 3 years ago, the journal has embodied a team effort. Reflecting the fact that pulmonary hypertension is a complex disease, our editorial focus has been derived from experts whose areas of concentration reflect the diverse nature of this disorder and its complications.

As I assume the role of Editor-in-Chief, I pursue the same strategy because it has served us well. We will continue to build on a team effort of national and international experts whose goal is to find a cure for pulmonary hypertension. While the cure remains elusive, we are finding significant ways to improve the quality of life of patients with the disease; the journal serves as a chronicle of that story as it focuses on important developments in translational research and relates them to clinical considerations and decisions.

We are challenged by and appreciative of the leadership provided during the first 3 years of publication. We gratefully acknowledge the hard work and guidance provided by Victor F. Tapson, MD, Editor-in-Chief during this time. His contribution to the launch of the journal has left us with a solid foundation on which to build. His high editorial standards give us a legacy to live up to and the enthusiastic response to the journal from 30,000 readers makes us proud of Vic's contribution. We are also grateful for the guidance provided by the Editorial Advisory Board of Richard N. Channick, MD, Sean Gaine, MD, PhD, Ronald J. Oudiz, MD, and Ivan M. Robbins, MD. The help from these leading academicians in identifying appropriate topics, participating in roundtable discussions and ensuring the overall quality of content inspires us to continue their excellent work.

With this issue, you will see more evidence of our team approach to pulmonary hypertension. Drs Channick and Oudiz will remain as Associate Editors, and we have added Ramona Doyle, MD, Karen Fagan, MD, and Oliver Sitbon, MD. Our Editorial Advisory Board has been expanded because more physicians have expressed a special interest in the journal and we look forward to working with them throughout the year as they participate in the editorial process. These physicians include: Gregory Ahearn, MD, Jacques Benisty, MD, Raymond Benza, MD, Erika Berman-Rosenzweig, MD, Todd Bull, MD, Murali Chakinala, MD, Jeffrey Edelman, MD, Jim Maloney, MD, Robert Schiltz, DO, and Roxana Sulica, MD.

The result will be a journal that reflects the broadest possible spectrum of expert medical opinion in pulmonary hypertension. The journal also benefits from the expertise of the Scientific Leadership Council of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA). As the official journal of PHA, Advances in Pulmonary Hypertension will continue to be in the forefront of patient advocacy and awareness concerning the availability of new research grants as well, serving as the most comprehensive resource for such information.

The enthusiastic response from our readers is another key factor in renewing our commitment to the pulmonary hypertension community. We look forward to hearing from you regarding the usefulness of the content and welcome your suggestions and comments as we work toward providing you with a journal you look forward to reading, saving, and sharing with colleagues.