Foreward
C. Michael Schuch, CPO, FISPO
It is with mixed emotions that I write my last JPO foreword
before my term as editor expires at the end of November.
In many respects, being editor is a "love-hate" position.
While I love the teamwork of staff, board members and reviewers; the challenge of meeting our goals; and the
progress that has been made toward them, I hate the never-ending work and constant struggle of adhering to the editorial schedule. All things considered, I am honored to
have had the opportunity to serve as editor for the past
four years. Now it's time to step aside and make room for
new ideas and new leadership.
Hence, I'd like to congratulate Thomas M. Gavin, CO,
who will assume the position of JPO editor on December
1. A noted spinal orthotics researcher, Gavin is president
and director of clinical services for BioConcepts Inc. in
Burr Ridge, Ill.; a teaching associate at Loyola University
Medical Center at Maywood, Ill.,'s Stritch School of Medicine; a research orthotist at the Hines, Ill.,'s Veterans Administration Hospital; and a consulting spinal instructor for
Northwestern University Medical School.
I trust that under Tom's leadership, the JPO will continue to thrive as the most widely read journal solely dedicated to orthotics and prosthetics and that it will be elevated
to the next plateau of excellence.
I would like to thank the members of the editorial board
and the manuscript reviewers with whom I've had the privilege of working over the past four years. I especially want
to thank Stacey L. Bell, managing editor of JPO and director of publications and marketing of the Orthotics & Prosthetics National Office, and Christine Kalmin, co-managing
editor of JPO. Stacey has been the driving force behind
many of the improvements in the journal over the past four
years, and Christine has been instrumental in helping me
stay as close to schedule as possible (a tough job in itself)
and in preparing the accepted manuscripts for publication
in the journal.
Following is a brief chronology of JPO changes instituted for the betterment of the journal:
- Winter 1993 JPO, Volume 5, Number 1: The format size
of the journal changed from 7 x 10 inches to 8.5 X 11 inches,
making advertising easier in both the 0&P Almanac and
JPO.
- Fall 1993 JPO, Volume 5, Number 4: This was the last
dedicated issue, dedicated to the subject of research in
O&P Since 1994, all issues have featured a research-based
lead article with the remaining articles being submitted and
accepted manuscripts or recruited articles.
- Winter 1994 JPO, Volume 6, Number 1: Several changes
occurred in this issue. The cover of the journal changed to
brighter, flashier colors and included a custom illustration
to complement the lead article. The concept of forums
(technical, international, research, educational, etc.) also
was introduced for selected articles.
- Spring 1994 JPO, Volume 6, Number 2: In this issue, the
Research Forum debuted with the goal of continuing the
dialogue from the earlier dedicated issue on research. The
first JPO, quiz for PCE credits also was featured.
As I close this foreword, I cannot help but send one last
plea for more manuscript submissions. Our inventory of accepted manuscripts is at an all-time high; however, one of
the burdens as editor is the constant worry about maintaining a healthy backlog. Please assist Tom and his editorial
team as well as your profession with this task by submitting
your research and technical ideas and/or case reports for
publication.
Best professional regards,
C. Michael Schuch, CPO, FISPO
Editor
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