Over the past 30 years, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) has become one of the most highly cited and influential journals in the area of cardiovascular medicine and is a key membership benefit of the College. With the first issue published in 1983, JACC has developed an international reputation for excellence and publishes peer-reviewed articles on all aspects of cardiovascular disease, including original clinical studies, experimental investigations with clear clinical relevance, state-of-the art papers, viewpoints, and editorials and essays interpreting and commenting on the research presented.

JACC expanded its umbrella in 2008 with the launch of JACC Cardiovascular Imaging and JACC Cardiovascular Interventions, and in February 2013 JACC: Heart Failure will be added to the JACC family of journals to address the clear need for a publication outlet in this growing subspecialty field. Christopher O’Connor, MD, FACC, will serve as the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of this new journal.  The launch of JACC: Heart Failure is a tremendous step for the JACC team, and I know we are all looking forward to a great future for this sister journal. 

After nearly 12 years, during which JACC’s prestige, readership and impact factor have experienced spectacular gains, Anthony N. DeMaria, MD, MACC will be stepping down as EIC of JACC. I want to thank Dr. DeMaria for his passion, dedication and hard work in achieving these milestones. Although he will not be easily replaced, the Publication Committee is in the process of searching for a new EIC, and the deadline to apply is quickly approaching. For those who wish to be considered, please submit a letter with your vision for JACC along with your qualifications by this Friday, Nov. 23. Address the letter to the ACC Publications Committee, headed by Noel Bairey-Merz MD, FACC, and send it to Elizabeth Wilson via e-mail ewilson[at]acc.org. Qualifications to apply include: current academic appointment in cardiovascular medicine; broad and in-depth knowledge of the field of cardiovascular medicine, its leadership and current trends and advances; substantial experience in writing, editing and reviewing scientific articles; and more. For more information about the position and its requirements, you can also email Elizabeth Wilson, ewilson[at]acc.org.

The search committee will review all applications in early December and develop a short list of potential candidates to be invited for an in-person interview and in depth presentation scheduled in January or February 2013.  The team anticipates announcing the new EIC at ACC.13.  While some preparatory work would begin almost immediately, the new EIC and his/her editorial team will not begin receiving manuscripts until January 1, 2014; a 6-month overlap with the current editorial team is also planned.

The College has also added JACC Journals to its Facebook page family, joining the American College of Cardiology and CardioSmart pages. The page is updated regularly by JACC Executive Editor Glenn Collins and JACC Associate Editor Chris Cannon, MD, FACC, with the latest headlines from all of the JACC journals. Be sure to “like” the page and share it with colleagues.

My best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!