The New VDM

At the dawn of a new decade, it is with pleasure and a sense of excitement that I write the first Corner editorial of 2010 to introduce a new format for Vascular Disease Management as it becomes an online-only publication. We are confident this will enhance the journal’s relevance and reach in a most significant way. The most salient advantages of such evolution can be listed as follows:

• The number of issues will double (beginning immediately) from 6 to 12 per year, making it a monthly journal;

• A much-increased capacity to expand content, including a larger number of original papers;

• A shortened time lapse from manuscript submission to publication;

• A full menu of scientific, clinical, technological, and informational sections to address some of the most relevant issues for all vascular specialists. These will include:

- Basic and clinical research, case reports, and clinical reviews of relevant topics;

- New techniques and devices;

- Editorial commentaries and position statements;

- Newswire featuring clinical, regulatory, and industry news;

- Events calendar and useful links;

- Monthly blogs by noted key opinion leaders, interviews, and more.

The new VDM will obviously have a much broader scope and coverage, but it will do so while retaining the fundamental pillars of the double-blind peer-review process, and indexing on Embase and Scopus. I think the most attractive features of the online-only format derive from the virtual elimination of the considerable costs associated with printing and distribution allowing (in turn) the dramatic expansion of content (as described above), and effective internet-based worldwide exposure for authors and their papers. So, it’s good news all around! But these plans and efforts can only reach their full potential as a result of interaction with an engaged audience. More than ever before, we absolutely need to hear from you — the VDM reader and follower: tell us what works and what doesn’t. And tell us whether your needs are being addressed or not. We will do our utmost to fulfill the mission and make VDM an ever-growing source for today’s vascular specialists. That’s a promise.