A Look Behind the Scenes of Surgical Science
When a prominent surgeon joins the editorial board of a major journal, it's more than just a personal accolade—it's a crucial development for the entire field of surgical science.
The recent appointment of Dr. Jennifer Kuo to the editorial board of the World Journal of Surgery (WJS) represents a significant milestone. This prestigious journal, which publishes selected original scientific reports on clinical advances, experimental surgery, surgical education, and socioeconomic aspects of surgical care, strengthens its mission through such appointments . But what does it truly mean to serve on an editorial board, and why does this behind-the-scenes work fundamentally shape the research that eventually transforms patient care worldwide? This article explores the vital role of editorial boards in advancing surgical science.
EBMs like Dr. Kuo don't just lend their names to the journal's masthead; they engage in the critical evaluation of science in progress.
The daily responsibilities of an EBM are diverse and demanding. Based on the standards set by major journals, Dr. Kuo's new duties likely include:
Assessing a minimum of several manuscripts per month in their area of expertise, making preliminary decisions on a paper's suitability, and providing constructive feedback to authors 2 .
Identifying and inviting suitable expert reviewers, ensuring timely and informative reviews, and making final editorial decisions after considering reviewer feedback 2 .
Maintaining the highest ethical standards, ensuring editorial independence, and addressing any allegations of misconduct 6 .
This work requires a significant commitment of time and intellectual energy. For instance, BMC Medicine expects its EBMs to respond to review invitations within two working days and return recommendations on manuscripts within five days of assignment, ensuring an efficient and robust process for the research community 2 .
The appointment of a new editorial board member is not a random event but a deliberate process designed to identify the most qualified individuals. The Editor-in-Chief typically leads the appointment of the editorial board, often with input from the publisher 6 .
| Qualification | Typical Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Credential | PhD or Medical Doctorate (MD) 7 | Ensures foundational research training and expertise. |
| Publication Record | Strong history of peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 8+ articles) 7 | Demonstrates research productivity and familiarity with the publishing process. |
| Research Impact | Significant citations and senior authorship roles 7 | Indicates influence and respect within the scientific community. |
| Professional Standing | Recognition in professional organizations 6 | Reflects a strong professional network and reputation. |
Formal application review by editorial office and Editor-in-Chief 7 .
Selection by the Editor-in-Chief based on qualifications and alignment with journal mission 7 .
Final verification by editorial office before official offer 7 .
Official appointment and onboarding to the editorial board.
While the work is demanding, serving on an editorial board offers profound benefits that enrich a surgeon-scientist's career and, by extension, the broader field.
Connect with peers, authors, and reviewers globally for collaborative opportunities 1 .
Hone scientific writing, research methodology, and data interpretation skills 1 .
| Responsibility | Key Actions | Importance for the Journal |
|---|---|---|
| Manuscript Handling | Preliminary assessment, peer review management, final decision 2 | Ensures the scientific quality and novelty of published content. |
| Strategic Development | Proposing special issues, suggesting new initiatives 2 5 | Keeps the journal dynamic and responsive to new trends. |
| Community Engagement | Promoting the journal, inviting submissions, expanding reviewer pool 2 3 | Increases the journal's reach, impact, and author base. |
| Upholding Ethics | Maintaining confidentiality, defending editorial independence 6 | Preserves the integrity and trustworthiness of the scientific record. |
The work of editorial board members has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the pages of an academic journal. By upholding rigorous standards, they help ensure that the studies which inform clinical practice are robust, reproducible, and ethically sound. This is especially critical in a field like surgery, where research directly impacts patient outcomes and operative techniques.
By promoting open access, board members help broaden the dissemination of scientific knowledge, making it freely available to surgeons and researchers in underserved regions 1 .
This global perspective is a core value of the World Journal of Surgery, which is designed to serve as a medium for rapid dissemination of information "throughout the world" .
The welcoming of Dr. Jennifer Kuo to the editorial board of the World Journal of Surgery is a significant event that highlights the essential, though often unseen, machinery of scientific progress. These dedicated experts do the meticulous work of curating and validating the research that pushes the field of surgery forward. Their service, a blend of rigorous critique and visionary leadership, ensures that every published paper meets the highest standards of scientific integrity. Ultimately, through the service of surgeons like Dr. Kuo, the entire medical community—researchers, clinicians, and, most importantly, patients—benefits from a richer, more reliable, and more advanced surgical science.