In this issue of Digestive Diseases and Sciences, we are excited to publish the first manuscript under a new section entitled “DDS-GRG Mentored Reviews,” which represents a collaboration between DDS and its parent organization, the Gastrointestinal Research Group (GRG). The stated purpose of this novel program is to improve the academic experience of GI fellows by providing a pathway for the publication of timely reviews under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Appropriate topics for publication in this section will center primarily on clinical medicine, although reviews covering translational topics relevant to the practicing physician are also encouraged.

Those of us who serve as patient-oriented researchers are mindful that early academic success for a trainee can have a substantial impact on their subsequent career pathway. Many GI trainees enter fellowship without serious consideration toward pursuing an academic career, compounded by inadequate time during their fellowship to pursue research endeavors. As mentors, we are repeatedly looking for clinical research projects that can be completed in a relatively short period of time that is usually interrupted by clinical duties. Contributing to the DDS-GRG Mentored Reviews series enables trainees to achieve success in authorship while realizing the even more important goal of encouraging a fellow and seasoned mentor to interact. It is said that an effective mentor understands that his or her responsibility is to be dependable, engaged, authentic, and “tuned into” the needs of the mentee. With many wonderful mentors present globally, I hope that the DDS-GRG Mentored Reviews will give them an avenue to use their invaluable skills.

Our first manuscript in the new section is entitled “Universal Screening of Colorectal Cancers for Lynch Syndrome: Challenges and Opportunities.” This outstanding review was written by Dr. Steve Vindigni, a GI fellow working under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Kaz at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Kaz’ areas of interest and publication have included epigenetic alterations leading to gastrointestinal malignancy as well as screening and prevention of colorectal cancer. For Steve, this represents the second excellent mentor he has had in his young career. He has already had five manuscripts accepted for publication relating to C. difficile co-authored with Dr. Christina Surawicz.

We hope you enjoy reading this timely review and consider submitting a mentored review to DDS. Success of the mentee–mentor relationship constitutes the foundation of academic research upon which successful and productive careers are built.