Abstract
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This April 2016 of the Journal is my inaugural issue that highlights works from those who best influence my personal strategies. The individuals I invited to contribute were chosen because of their world-class experience and recognized expertise in their fields. It is my intent to continue selecting topnotch specialists to contribute to JLAST with high impact articles with extraordinary quality and relevant reviews. To do so, I will also rely on our Editorial Board. In my new role, I have selected a new roster of national and international Editorial Board members who have been asked to contribute to JLAST as part of their appointment.
So, what is going to change in the next years? My goal is to make JLAST more relevant in the field of laparoscopy. Simply put, I plan to provide our readers with the most pertinent research in the field of laparoscopy. My strategy is to publish well-conducted studies on advanced laparoscopic techniques and to emphasize the dissemination of the latest information on the introduction, clinical application, and outcomes of original and innovative technologies. To achieve this goal, I will rely on the enthusiastic participation of our national and international Editorial Board members, our wide base of faithful readers, and accomplished contributors to whom I will assure quick editorial decisions.
When achievements like this are reached, thanking all the individuals who have helped me to reach this stage is necessary. The list would be too long. Nevertheless, I would thank Mary Ann Liebert for the trust she has put in me in giving me the helm of her Journal; Vicki Cohn, Executive Vice President, for guiding me through the process of running a large peer-reviewed scientific journal; Eve S. Ferdman, Editor, and Laura Neuberger, Managing Editor, for helping me in the day-to-day editorial activities. Very special thanks go to Dr. C. Daniel Smith, the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, who has done a tremendous job in keeping the high quality of the Journal sustained over time.
I feel privileged to be that “energetic individual that will enjoy the challenge to take the Journal to the next level.” I look forward to many enjoyable interactions with my Editorial staff, members of the Journal's Editorial Board, and colleagues, both nationally and internationally.