It is my distinct honor and privilege to assume the reins as editor of Anesthesia Progress from my dear friend and mentor, Dr Steven Ganzberg. This is a challenge that I approach with the utmost reverence. I will pause to reflect upon the journal's storied history, replete with a long line of previous editors who have each left their own indelible marks of progressive change, before moving onward to discuss my own goals and vision.
The official journal of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA), which originated as a monthly newsletter produced by Dr Harcourt Stebbins back in 1953, has consistently evolved throughout the years under the strong stewardship of many well-known editors, including such notables as Drs Norman Trieger, John Yagiela, Joel Weaver, and most recently Steven Ganzberg. The current version of Anesthesia Progress really began to take shape with the vision and direction of Dr Weaver, who remained at the helm for 19 years. During his tenure, the journal expanded its reach far beyond its parent organization, ADSA, being named the official publication of multiple national and international organizations, all dedicated to the art and science of anesthesia in dentistry. Other noted improvements included modernizing article submission and review processes as well as establishing a continuing education section, subsequently dedicated to Dr Trieger, and including an editorial commentary for every issue.
Following Dr Weaver's lead, Dr Ganzberg has made a concerted effort to more fully integrate Anesthesia Progress into the 21st century via a host of improvements and technological enhancements, all designed to advance the journal's sphere of influence and impact. He has increased the journal's size, incorporated a section reviewing current literature likely to be of interest to the readers, and worked to further streamline the editorial processes. Lastly, not only will those on the social media platform Facebook likely have noticed the frequent posts illustrating articles of interest, but also all readers are likely to appreciate the award-winning modernization and colorization of the journal's overall design.
My vision for Anesthesia Progress is to continue our current efforts and direction while exploring innovative approaches to further expand the journal's reach. As evident by the multitude of extinct or dying traditional newspapers, today's readers are constantly evolving in how they consume literature. One possible avenue for continuing to increase awareness about the journal's fine contributions is likely to include a robust presence on Twitter or other relevant social media outlets. Additional goals include inviting occasional guest editors to provide their respective thoughts on select topics of interest as well as periodically revisiting key historical articles that remain pertinent to our specialty, coupled with a modern commentary by invited authors. My hope is that this approach will help provide a useful historical context and perspective, especially for those who may be less experienced. I also anticipate establishing regular meetings with the assistant editors, Drs Mark Saxen and James Tom, and the members of the editorial board, with the primary goal of assuring the journal continues to reflect all facets of anesthesia for dentistry. Finally, I look forward to working alongside the ADSA Board of Directors and our publisher, Allen Press, to optimally position and strengthen Anesthesia Progress for the future. This work will serve to ensure the journal persists as a beacon dedicated to advancing and supporting dentistry's right to provide sedation and general anesthesia for our patients in a safe and effective manner.
Anesthesia Progress has a rich history of serving as a primary means for peer-reviewed publications of the highest quality for researchers, academicians, and clinicians, with interests pertaining to the full spectrum of anesthesiology for dentistry throughout the world. Additionally, I believe that that anesthesiology in all its facets is and always should be a cornerstone of dentistry. Our profession has a solemn duty to provide it in a safe manner with the requisite respect, all of which requires proper education. In this regard, the journal's ability to effectively assist with the dissemination of knowledge on a variety of topics ranging from local anesthesia to sedation and general anesthesia remains essential. It is this aspect of Anesthesia Progress that I believe may be quite possibly the most important, because of the potential benefits reaped by those ultimately impacted the most: our patients.
I would like to thank the ADSA Board of Directors, and specifically Dr Michael Rollert, for granting me this unique opportunity to serve as a voice and leader for all who appreciate the beauty and importance of anesthesiology within the profession of dentistry. A special thank-you must also be extended to Dr Ganzberg, who has graciously offered his continued guidance throughout the upcoming transition period. I count myself among the lucky few to have such an exceptional mentor, teacher, and friend in my professional career and personal life. As I stand on the precipice of this undertaking, not only am I fully appreciative of the extremely large shoes left by my predecessors, but I am also quite excited to build upon their work advancing the art and science of sedation and anesthesia for dentistry. Anesthesia Progress has a phenomenal reputation as the representative journal of multiple national and international societies dedicated to anesthesia and dentistry, which I fully intend to uphold as your new editor-in-chief.