Abstract
The pivotal role of scientific journals is to provide updated knowledge via distribution of new innovations and provision of future road map for research. Therefore, maintenance of quality standards for available data harbors great significance. This all becomes the jurisdiction of editors, who ensure preservation of all this on ethical grounds1. The slogan of publish or perish has put a huge burden upon the shoulders of author and editor as well. It seems as if the responsibilities of editor are not so tiring but in reality it’s the editor who backs up a good publication. The editor is the middle man between author and reviewers. Treating author with objectivity while maintain credibility of the journal is the crux of responsibilities of editor.
When considering the responsibilities, negotiating with nepotism is a major challenge for the journal editor. At the same time, it is compulsory to build a relationship with the authors as well as reviewers. Maintaining the integrity of blind review process is by the external evaluations of the journal. In Pakistan publications are essential for promotion so the editors are under pressure from the organizations also. They should be raising the bar of scientific investigation and medical writing in the larger benefit of the community of potential authors and readers. They must be creative in envisioning the future of the medicine. They receive a lot of research relating the patients; it is their duty to verify the data in best practice of the medicine keeping the integrity of this field apart from the business. Complete separation of editorial decisions from financial issues, is therefore essential for ensuring editor's independence. If it becomes known that an editor's judgment can be influenced by extraneous factors such as income from specific advertisements, the journal will lose the respect of its readers.
In view to run a successful medical journal, a dedicated team is a mandatory requirement. This includes editor in chief, co-chief editor, managing editor, associate editor, editorial and advisory board, editorial board members and guest editors for special issues. The errands are distributed amongst all these members in view to get the desired goals2.
Editor in chief is the one performing fundamental role in all the proceedings. This starts by establishing the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to establish journal’s standing and impact in scientific community based upon ethics and competence. The selection of editorial board and reviewers’ board also comes under his domain. The decisions regarding acceptance or rejection of manuscripts, promotion of journals at pertinent conferences, organizing special issues, contribution of editorials and scientific articles, all are amongst his foremost responsibilities. Editing of all accepted manuscripts, management of finances and timely publication of issues are under his sphere2.
Umar Ali Khan, Khadija Iqbal, Humaira Zafar. (2021) Editor’s errands and responsibilities to run a successful Medical Journal, Isra Medical Journal, Volume 13, Issue 01.
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