Good Bye, Thank You, Ethics and Other Things…

This is my last editorial as the Editor-in-Chief of JCAS. The journey as an editor of a journal can be exhilarating, exhausting and at times perplexing. Exhilarating because it is a satisfying challenge to maintain the journal with high-quality articles and composing the issue with the right balance of articles. Exhausting because of the many issues that are involved in successfully running the journal such as selecting appropriate reviewers, getting reviews on time, balancing, at times opposing opinions, author corrections as per the requirement of the journal and ensuring production goes smoothly. And sometimes, it is perplexing because of the many ethical issues, particularly plagiarism, blatant or subtle that an Editor-in-Chief has to face.

The aim of the editor is to ensure that publications are scientific and truthful, new ideas have been verified by peer reviews and the credits go to the right authors. Ethics in publication is one of the most challenging situations an editor has to overcome. With increasing pressure on authors to 'publish or perish', publication linked promotions in academics; unethical publication is on the rise. Blatant plagiarism, publishing the same case in two journals, salami publications, where a study is split into two to increase the number and gift authorship, are some issues, which a vigilant editorial team has to overcome. Citation manipulation to cite one's own articles or of the particular journal, data fabrication, undeclared conflict of interests are other unethical practices which an editor has to be vigilant about. Fortunately, there are guidelines available to guide appropriate action.[12]

I believe the chariot of the journal is supported by four important wheels. The first are the authors who contribute their precious work to the journal. The second is the editorial board, including the associate editors and assistant editors, who are important cogs and without whom the task of running the journal would not be possible. The advisory board and the ombudsman that step in when in need can steer the journal in difficult times. Dr. Subrata Malakar as an ombudsman rendered excellent support in our ethical issues. The third is the publication team which is responsible for the production of the final product from manuscript formatting, copy editing to printing. Here, I put my deep appreciation to Wolters Kluwer and the Medknow team, particularly Mr. Hanumant Pawar, the Production Editor, who handled all deadlines so effectively. However, in my perception, the fourth and most valuable wheel are the reviewers who give their time and energy selflessly in improving the quality of the manuscripts. It is amazing unsung work by reviewers that really improve the journal. I am deeply indebted to all my four wheels that made the journey smooth as an editor in chief.

We could introduce new sections such as innovation that encourage new thinking, bridging the gap that published articles from other specialities relevant to dermatology, thus widening our horizons, viewpoint on controversial issues and facility for video submissions and viewing, which greatly enhanced the learning quality of the article. JCAS was also linked to the journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery–Global Open^® which is an open access, peer-reviewed, international journal focusing on global plastic and reconstructive surgery.

There have been limitations, at times we were delayed and at times processing and peer reviewing were not as quick as we would have liked. Another limitation was in generating good revenue for the association, which it could not accomplish. I apologise for this and I hope my successor will be able to overcome these limitations.

So thank you to our Association, the Association of Cutaneous Surgeons of India that selected and supported me throughout my journey. On behalf of the editorial board, I wish Dr. Imran Majid the incoming editor all success.

'If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants' – Isaac Newton.

The journal stands proud on the shoulders of all the past editors.

Over and out.