Farewell

H induism recognizes four main stages of life. Like the goals of life, these can be divided into three plus one. The first three are the student, the householder, and the retired person, while the fourth is the ascetic (also known as a sannyasin or a sadhu).

In the modern world we go through stages–student, practitioner and retirement. I think we have given up on the sanyas!!! Not quite sure when I will transition into retirement, but it certainly is a moment to pause and reflect on an era which has been part of me, my life.

It was 1984, the Endourological Society was born, a vision of stalwarts in the field: Drs. Arthur D. Smith, Joseph Segura and Ralph C. Clayman. Michele Paoli and I happened to be there at the right time in the right place!! Mary Ann Liebert and Vicky Cohn wanted to spread the gospel of Endourology, so they had to convince Arthur and Ralph to give up on the newsletter.

The Society was formed and the official journal was Journal of Endourology. In the ensuing 25 years, having served on the editorial board, I have seen it grow, mature and give birth to an offspring, Videourology. I recall with fondness all who have served on the editorial board and the lively discussions at the editorial board meetings. We had differences, but had a common goal to see the Journal have the highest standards. The decision not to take the short cuts to improve the impact factor was always controversial, but I believe it maintained the purity of the intent of the Journal.

To make it work takes many individual contributions. I salute the contributors, the reviewers, section editors and associate editors. All of these individuals donate their valuable time and intellect selflessly to the Journal.

To the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. staff—my hats off to you for your professionalism and attention to detail. I want to specially acknowledge Mary Ann, Vicky, Adam and Larry.

Michele for many years and Debbie in the last few years have stewarded me and kept me in line with their periodic admonitions.

Arthur and Ralph, I have enjoyed learning the tricks of the trade from you both. The vision and the commitment you each have had for this Journal and the Society is something I hope I can emulate in my next task.

Charu, my wife, has been the pillar of support, so I owe all to her.

I step down as the managing editor this month. It has been a privilege and an honor.