As I reflect on the past decade as Editor-in-Chief of Abdominal Radiology many changes have occurred in radiology and with our journal. My tenure started with the January/February 2014 (vol 39, issue 1) issue. One of the key papers was on practical aspects of dual energy CT by Desiree Morgan (1). Another paper addressed the added benefit of MRI for imaging of the ovaries (2). PET/CT was being investigated for new applications (3), and the Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) was in its second year after the merger of the Society of Gastrointestinal Radiology and the Society of Uroradiology (4).

The changes in the journal reflect the remarkable advancements and evolution of our subspecialty. The journal has grown from 6 issues to 12 issues yearly to accommodate the growth in our specialty. The name of our journal was changed in 2016 to Abdominal Radiology from Abdominal Imaging to reflect the importance of interventional procedures that have become routine and part of the fabric of our subspecialty. Continued interest in special sections within the journal was augmented after the SAR disease focused panels were launched. These special sections provided our readers with a comprehensive assessment of a focused topic of current interest. To date, we have published 46 special sections in the last decade. Manuscript submissions outside of North America have grown considerably, as have participation in our Editorial Board and in our Associate Editors. The impact factor for the journal has steadily improved, last measured at 2.4 in 2022 (Clarivate).

The continued technical and clinical advancements in abdominal radiology keep our subspecialty both dynamic and exciting. More manuscripts are submitted related to MR than CT today, and many report findings related to radiomics and machine learning/artificial intelligence. There is no doubt that these areas of research will become clinically important. The future is bright for our specialty, and I look forward to continued advancement in new and better ways to care for our patients.

The real heroes over the past ten years are the innumerable volunteers that have provided countless hours of dedicated service to the journal. Thousands upon thousands of reviews have been collected to ensure that the scientific integrity of our publication is sound. Reviewers seldom get the acknowledgement and well-deserved praise for their important and laborious work. The peer review process is the engine that drives our journal as it ensures published scientific reports are credible and conducted according to accepted scientific methodology. In lock step with the immense contributions from our reviewers is the work from our associate editors. This tireless group of experts seek high quality reviewers and cajole them into service. Their final opinions provide a balance when recommendations vary for publication, and their input for key changes and insights for improvements are indispensable to authors. Finally, the authors voluntarily provide us with their manuscripts that represent many hours of planning, work, and dedicated expertise. They hope that their creation can be shared selflessly with the world. It is inspiring in this world where everything seems to have a cost that we find generosity beyond belief in our scientific community! Among abdominal radiologist’s volunteerism flourishes, and we selflessly help one another and search for answers so that the joy of delivering better patient care is achieved. My hope is that all of these volunteer efforts will continue and flourish!

Please welcome and strongly support Dr. Neeraj Lalwani as he assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief in January. His strong interest and enthusiasm for our subspecialty and in medical journalism will further the advancement of the Journal and its long-term success.

Thank you all for your help and for the honor and the privilege of being Editor-in-chief of Abdominal Radiology since 2014. I shall cherish our friendships and the many memories that I hold dear.

C. Dan Johnson, MD