EDITOR'S PAGE

BETH HARKNESS, MS

This is my last issue as editor of JNMT. I have been the editor for six years, and I can honestly say that the past six years seem to have both gone by quickly and lasted an eternity. For me it is an ending, but this is just a chapter in the life of the journal. Frances Neagley, CNMT, FSNMTS, has been appointed the new editor of JNMT, and I have been working with her in preparation for the transition on the first of January.

As outgoing editor, there are a number of people that I would be remiss if I didn't thank one more time for their dedication and support. The list starts with the publications staff at the SNM office. Susan Alexander is the assistant director of publications and is responsible for managing the editors, i.e. keeping me on track and on time. This is no small task. Her timely reminders and therapy sessions when things weren't going well were priceless. I am sure she is very happy that she will never hear me tell her, yet again, that I would be glad to make a decision, but the paper seems to have gone into a black hole in the computer system. Ann Coleman has provided great assistance with this page. I could not have written 24 columns without her help. Mahnaaz Latib, Susan Nadolny, Megan Schagrin, Terry Pearson, and Steve Klein were all a huge help doing their jobs efficiently and transparently. You may or may not have noticed their names in each issue, but I want you to know that these people are the reason the JNMT is published on time, is true to its style guidelines, and has sufficient advertising revenue to remain viable. The editor is only a small part of the production team. These people make it happen. And I cannot forget to thank Rebecca Maxey, SNM's director of communications, for her support and advice. It was invaluable.

I also want to thank my editorial board, but particularly Elpida Crawford, who was, and will continue to be, the associate editor for continuing education. This is a very difficult job; she must come up with the ideas and authors for all of the continuing education articles and then hound the authors to get the articles turned in on time. Since most technologists read JNMT primarily for the continuing education articles, the perceived value of the journal is largely tied to her success. I didn't know Elpida when I started as editor, but our working relationship has turned into a friendship that I will value long after I retire from this job.

Finally, I would like to thank all of my consulting editors but in particular Fred Fahey and John Keyes, whom I feel I have known forever. They have been my mentors and confidants all of my professional life. It was John who encouraged and helped me write my first scientific paper. Fred helped me figure out where to go to graduate school and then was my thesis advisor. I would not have been able to do all the things I have done without their help and encouragement. Also, I would like to specially thank Jim Carey who helped me get the job that really started my career and has been a great source of support ever since. Being editor of the JNMT is just one more thing in my life that they have contributed to and made so much easier.

So what will I do with my newly found freedom? I will go home on the weekend and read novels and work on my house rather than assign, read, and review scientific papers. I won't fret over the endless to-do list that comes with the title “editor.” I will go on vacation without my computer. I will no longer stress over FedEx deliveries to remote parts of Michigan. I will go to the movies. When I think about it, I smile. Being editor was a rewarding experience, but I am looking forward to turning it over to someone else. I wish Fran the best of luck as she takes over these responsibilities.