End-of-Year Thoughts

Frances Neagley, CNMT, FSNMTS Editor, JNMT

The December issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology is always a good one for introspection and looking back at the previous year. I am just finishing the third year of my 5-year term, and no sooner do I think that everything is going along really well than something causes me to reevaluate my optimism. It continues to be a journey of ups and downs.

I am sure many of you noticed that the September 2009 issue of the JNMT was quite slim. The report on the SNM annual meeting in Toronto did not get in before our print deadline. In addition, we are not getting any consistent professional development articles.

The NMTCB and JRCNMT usually submit reports. I would like to get an educator's forum article on a regular basis. A student submission and a student forum would be most appreciated. My idea for invited commentaries has not been very successful, but I have not given up on the concept. We are struggling to get books for our book review section. I would like to encourage all of you to think about getting involved in these processes and help with ideas for the issues.

We have been getting a fairly good number of scientific manuscript submissions, but the process from submission to publication remains lengthy. We are all so busy in our jobs and personal lives that it is understandably hard to take on extra tasks. I often select from 6 to 24 people from the reviewer pool just to get 2 reviewers per submission. Quite often the reviewers will be asked to review the revised manuscripts again. I really appreciate the hard work these reviewers are doing, and I am heartened to see that more technologists are signing up to be reviewers. I try not to ask anyone to review more than 1 submission a year.

In a volunteer organization such as the SNMTS, we are always being asked to do more. That brings me to the real topic of this editorial. The JNMT really needs your help. Elpida Crawford, the associate editor who solicits and coordinates all the continuing education articles in the JNMT, wants to move on to other things. We need someone to take over this position. There is a minimal stipend along with the boundless gratitude of the JNMT editor and readers. Please contact me if you think you might be interested in and capable of this position. I am sure Elpida would be happy to tell any interested parties about her experience.

By this time next year, the SNMTS will begin looking for a new editor for the JNMT. The 5-year commitment and struggle to get submissions reviewed can be daunting, but the rewards far exceed any difficulties. There is a stipend, some office expenses, and funding to meetings. The SNMTS Publications Committee will be announcing the requirements and their timeline at the June annual meeting in Salt Lake City.

The editorial board of the JNMT has been outstanding. I try not to ask too much of them, but they are always there to help me whenever there is a submission that cannot be resolved among the reviewers. I know I can turn to them when I have a question about certain procedures outside the scope of my knowledge. I really cannot praise them enough.

So much for end-of-year musings; I hope you enjoy this issue. Although there is only one continuing education article, there are several submissions on imaging that should appeal to most everyone. In addition, there is an article from an educator on enhancing laboratory activities. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions, problems, or concerns. I can best be reached by e-mail, at fneagley{at}pacbell.net, and I truly welcome your comments.