From the Editor

Since its launch in 2007, the Kansas Journal of Medicine (KJM) has served as a platform for scholarly writing among medical learners, featuring articles primarily by Kansas authors, particularly junior faculty, residents, and students. Over the years, the journal has undergone several changes and is now archived in PubMed Central. However, there is always room for improvement, which is why I am pleased to share several important changes and enhancements to our journal that reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in academic publishing.

Introduction of Brief Reports. We are excited to announce the creation of a new article type - Brief Reports. This format is designed for concise yet impactful studies that present significant findings in a succinct manner. These reports are evaluated using the same rigorous criteria as original research but can be smaller in scope and may be less generalizable to other settings. This submission type allows the editorial office to quickly and efficiently share important research by our trainees and junior faculty, ensuring timely communication of advancements to our readership.

Implementation of Statement of Attestation. To enhance the credibility and transparency of our published research, we have introduced a preparation and submission guideline called the Statement of Attestation from all authors. This statement affirms authors' careful review of the manuscript and endorse its content, serving as formal declarations of the accuracy and integrity of their work. This initiative underscores our dedication to maintaining the highest ethical standards in publishing.

Improved Review Process. We also have made improvements to our review process, including at least two reviewers - one of whom is an external reviewer - for each manuscript. Our new system includes streamlined submission protocols, enhanced reviewer guidelines, and a more efficient timeline for manuscript evaluations. These changes aim to provide authors with constructive feedback more promptly while maintaining the rigorous standards of peer review for which our journal is known.

New and Modified Editorial Board. We are proud to introduce our newly appointed and modified editorial board. These esteemed colleagues bring a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives to our journal. Their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience are invaluable as we continue to elevate the quality and impact of our publications. The updated editorial board also play a crucial role in implementing our new initiatives and ensuring the highest standards of scholarship.

Submitting Papers Rejected from Other Journals. Over the years, KJM has sometimes been seen as a journal where manuscripts can be submitted after being rejected by other national journals. To address this, we have updated our policy on rejected manuscripts. While KJM will consider manuscripts that may have been rejected from other journals, we now require authors to provide this information, including reviewer comments and author responses, in their submission. Authors should clearly state in their cover letter that they are including these materials. Additionally, all submissions to KJM should adhere to the required elements outlined on our website (journals.ku.edu/kjm).

Use of Artificial Intelligence. Our journal has introduced a policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI). While we encourage authors to use technology, our policy provides guidelines for the use of AI tools. Software using generative AI or machine learning (ML) is allowed. However, the journal does not permit including ML tools, such as ChatGPT, as authors. If such a tool is used to generate a manuscript, it must be disclosed. These tools often use existing text and may not effectively incorporate proper citations. Borrowing text without proper attribution constitutes plagiarism. Authors using an ML tool are responsible for citing previously published work accurately.

Publication Schedule. To maintain the relevance and impact of the journal, we have transitioned to a bi-monthly publication schedule, producing six issues per year. This change allows us to better serve our academic and clinical communities, uphold our standards of excellence in scholarly publishing, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue that drives medical innovation and improves patient care.
These enhancements are part of our continuous effort to better serve our authors, reviewers, and readers. We believe these changes will foster greater innovation, transparency, and efficiency in the dissemination of scientific knowledge.

Thank you for your continued support and contribution to KJM. We look forward to receiving your submissions and to the continued success of our publication.