Journal of behavioral medicine for the twenty-teens: opportunity and responsibility

As many of you know, the Journal of Behavioral Medicine (JBM) has a rich history. It was the first scientific journal specifically dedicated to what, at the time, was the fledgling field of behavioral medicine. Founding Editor W. Doyle Gentry established the journal in 1977 and the first issue was published in 1978. It has been a constant leader in the field since that initial publication. Beginning in January, 2005 Christopher R. France assumed the Editor’s reigns. Dr. France displayed a keen eye for quality work and knew how to solicit it, operated with efficiency that is impossible to duplicate, and maintained the journal’s status and even led it to higher levels of quality and prestige in a field that had, over time, grown crowded with outlets for scientific publications. I know firsthand of Dr. France’s distinguished work because during his time I served as an Associate Editor. So when I received an invitation to apply for the Editor’s position I knew that, if appointed, I would assume a tremendous responsibility. The journal had a well-deserved reputation for high quality articles and efficient production times and I would be filling some very large shoes. I was somewhat surprised, but extremely honored, to become the Editor-in-Chief beginning October, 2009. …