Abstract
I
The scope of subjects covered over the decade and a half has been remarkably overarching, ranging from studies in hypoxic cells and tissues to humans working and living at high altitude. This translational scope spanning the cellular and molecular biology of hypoxia to the genetics, physiology, pathology, and therapeutic trials in animals and humans at high altitude will be maintained and fostered in the coming years. As more people seek recreation, work, and even live in mountainous areas across the world, the need for greater understanding of how the body does or does not adapt to the stresses of hypoxia takes on increasing importance. The lessons learned from the studies focused on high altitude hypoxia, although not always immediately relevant to diseases at low altitude with hypoxic manifestations, nonetheless can offer insights into best care for patients with hypoxemia and poor tissue oxygen delivery. While high altitude is inextricably linked to hypoxia, studies of high altitude also take in such varied subjects as hypothermia, radiation, unique pathogens and diseases of alpine regions, nutritional demands, and other environmental stresses, such as global warming and glacier disappearance.
Dr. West has described many of the accomplishments of the journal during his tenure in his accompanying editorial. In addition to peer-reviewed basic science and clinical studies in every issue, periodically he has had issues dedicated to a special theme, such as the pulmonary circulation and central nervous system at high altitude, written by leaders in the field. Another popular feature has been the spirited Pro-Con debates that help to illuminate what is known and what remains unanswered on controversial questions. Although opinions can sometimes run strong, reasoned defense helps to focus thinking, target further questions, and challenge others to new investigation. The journal has published consensus statements from various groups in mountain medicine and rescue, which provide expert guidance for clinicians and first responders in the field.
Another highly rated and useful series has been the Clinician's Corner, which tackles very practical issues for physicians and other allied healthcare workers when dealing with patients and healthy persons going to high altitude. The regular Sightings column highlights particularly important work published elsewhere of interest to the journal's readers. Lastly, the journal has been the venue for abstracts from important scientific meetings on high altitude work and dissemination of recent and cutting edge research to the broader community. Attesting to the worldwide impact of the journal, the number of article downloads has grown to over 17,000 per year.
What I wish to do is focus on how the journal will continue to play its unique role as the only journal dedicated wholly to the science and medicine at high altitude. To this end, the journal will continue to be a home for all basic and clinical research devoted to the hypoxia and other stresses of high altitude. Case reports of interesting and unique presentations of high altitude pathology are always welcome, along with letters to the editor. The Sightings, Pro-Con debates, and Clinician's Corner features will continue.
We will seek to publish guidelines and consensus statements by professional societies such as by the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) and the International Society for Mountain Medicine (ISMM), which chose High Altitude Medicine and Biology as its official journal at its inception. This link with ISMM has been an important feature of the journal. Our present editorial board, while representing many experts with longstanding involvement in high altitude research, will be expanded with recruitment of rising younger and active colleagues to foster the next generation of “old hands.”
In closing, I wish to thank Dr. West on behalf of ISMM and all readers of the journal for his outstanding editorship of the journal. I look forward to his continuing involvement as editor-emeritus, as well as to the editorial board and long-time readers for any and all suggestions on how the journal may better serve the community of high altitude scientists and clinicians.