Letter from the Editor

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology and its new editorial team in 2022.

As many readers are likely aware, 25 years ago JICE became one of the field of cardiac electrophysiology’s first peer-reviewed monthly publications following its founding by Dr. Sanjeev Saksena whose original intention was to create a truly international publication focused on interventional approaches to the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. A quarter of a century later, JICE remains the same pillar for the publication of global science in cardiac electrophysiology and the field has grown dynamically with evolving diagnostic modalities and treatments which have greatly extended our ability to provide effective care for patients with increasingly complex cardiac arrhythmia problems. Scientific research in the realms of basic and translational science, proof-of-concept studies, large clinical registries, and randomized clinical trials has been instrumental in e advancements in arrhythmia management over the last three decades. It has been wonderful to observe JICE’s vital and continued role in this journey under the stewardship of former Editor-in-Chiefs Dr. Sanjeev Saksena and Dr. Andrea Natale who both paved the way for the journal’s current trajectory as editors through their vision, tireless dedication, and renowned reputation as leaders in our field.

In the past year, the current editorial team has been focused on improving elements of the Journal including reduction in the time from peer-review to first decision, broadening dissemination of author work through social media, providing completely free access to journal articles through Springer’s SharedIt initiative, and the introduction of special editor roles focused on contemporary topics most relevant in the field of electrophysiology. We are proud to share that in 2022, the Journal has achieved several important year-over-year milestones, including a 25% increase in article submissions, a 59% decrease in time-to-first decision for de novo manuscripts, and a 23% increase in article download in addition to article access provided by the Journal’s social media account @JICE_EP.

The first issue of JICE in 2023 will be comprised of a collection of articles focused on advancements in the management of ventricular arrhythmias, which was organized by associate editor Jeffrey Winterfield. We hope that you enjoy reading this issue dedicated to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for VT. This year, JICE is planning to call for articles for 3 new publications slated for release which we believe will be of interest to our readership. These special issues will be dedicated to Autonomics Nervous System and Cardiac Arrhythmias led by Professors Tolga Aksu and Carlos Morillo, Innovations in Cardiac Electrophysiology spearheaded by Christopher DeSimone and Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (S-ICDs) which will be organized by Hemal Nayak. Articles submitted on these topics will have temporarily elevated priority for publication in JICE as those collections are being constructed.

Finally, I would like to announce another new initiative for JICE beginning also in 2023. As a trainee or early career scientist, opportunities to directly obtain experience with peer review for scientific journals are often rare and limited to the sphere of one’s network. From feedback we have received, there is a robust enthusiasm among early career scientists to learn more about the scientific review process and engage in peer reviewed under mentored guidance. In February 2023, JICE is announcing a call for applicants to the Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology Editorial Fellowship. The editorial training fellowship will be of one year duration and will include exposure to scientific critical review of manuscripts submitted to the journal under mentored guidance with the two-fold goal of providing skills for future participation as a reviewer or editorship at a scientific journal and to accelerate expansion of collaborative and mentorship networks. The Journal is seeking to accept 4–5 candidates annually and to create group with a scientifically broad base of expertise and regionally diverse representation. Applicants are encouraged to submit a brief cover letter and list of 3 potential mentors from the JICE editorial team along with their CV. Please follow the Journal’s official social media account @JICE_EP for further information.

As we look toward the new year, I want to reiterate my deepest thanks to our editorial board and reviewers for their steadfast enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment to the Journal. Peer review is a painstaking but crucial element in the evaluation, improvement, and selection of manuscripts for publication and the Journal’s work would not be possible without your contributions. Finally, I want to thank our most important stakeholders—you, the reader, for your interest in JICE and it is our sincere hope that we continue to provide compelling and high-quality content which may help elevate your own research and is relevant to considerations in your own clinical practice. As the Editor-in-Chief of JICE, my hope is that we continue to foster a collaborative, open-minded environment and increase value for the Journal’s scientific authorship through ongoing and future initiatives. Please do not hesitate to directly reach out to me with feedback or ideas.

Once again on behalf of the editorial team of JICE, we sincerely thank you for your ambassadorship, promotion, and future contributions to the journal’s continued growth as JICE embarks on its next chapter. We look forward to another dynamic year in 2023.

Sincerely,

Henry D Huang, MD

Editor-in-Chief

Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology