You Reap What You Sow… A Call to Action

Dear JIAOMR Readers, As we approach the end of 2024, our editorial committee completes one year. The beginning of this journey was challenging, with a few obstacles along the way; and at the same time, multiple guiding hands helped us sail through. As healthcare professionals, we often find ourselves navigating a landscape where knowledge and innovation are the seeds we plant to foster growth, both in our discipline and in the lives of our patients. The adage “you reap what you sow” reminds us of the intrinsic link between effort and outcome—a philosophy that resonates deeply within the realms of Oral Medicine and Radiology. The rapid advancements in diagnostic tools and imaging technologies are a testament to the fruits borne of relentless research and clinical dedication. Yet, these achievements compel us to reflect on the foundations upon which they are built. Are we, as a community, investing adequate resources, time, and energy into sowing the seeds of a brighter future for our specialty? As our Journal continues to evolve, it is crucial to reflect on the dynamics that ensure its sustained growth and relevance. A scholarly journal thrives on three pillars: the quality of manuscripts submitted, the rigor of the peer-review process, and the transparency surrounding its editorial decisions, including rejection rates. Elevating manuscript quality The quality of submissions reflects the strength of a journal’s content. I have already addressed this aspect in my editorial of the April–June 2024, Issue 2 of JIAOMR.[1] To attract high-quality manuscripts, the following is vital: Stringent adherence to Author Guidelines: Clear, detailed author instructions have been provided by the journal, which lay emphasis on originality, ethical compliance, appropriate structuring, and data transparency. However, we have observed that most of the submitted articles do not follow the author guidelines, and precious time is wasted as they have to be sent for technical modification, even multiple times in some cases. Promoting Niche Research: As Oral Medicine and Radiology encompasses emerging fields, such as AI applications in imaging, forensic odontology, and salivary diagnostics, submission of niche, innovative studies will set the journal apart. Enhancing reviewer contributions Reviewers are the cornerstone of the peer-review process. Their feedback not only ensures the quality of published content but also guides authors to elevate their research. However, the contribution of reviewers must go beyond superficial critique. For meaningful improvements, reviewers should adhere to the following principles: Constructive Criticism:[2] Reviewers should focus on providing actionable insights rather than generic observations. Comments should be specific, highlighting methodological errors, unclear conclusions, or inadequate literature reviews. Timeliness: Prompt reviews ensure a smoother editorial workflow. Delays often discourage authors and hinder the journal’s efficiency. Educational Feedback: For novice authors, especially for original research articles, feedback should also aim to mentor and educate, fostering growth in the discipline. Transparency in rejection rates Rejections are an inevitable part of a journal’s journey toward maintaining high standards. However, transparency about the rejection rate and reasons for rejection builds trust among contributors. The rejection rate never reflects the journal’s quality, in fact it reflects on the quality of manuscripts being submitted to a particular journal. As Editor-in-Chief, I should be in a dilemma how do I adjust so many good articles in only four issues and on what basis to reject manuscripts? But presently, the sad situation is that, often we are in dilemma, i.e., on what basis to accept the manuscripts. There are times when the quality of the submitted work is so poor, that the assistant and associate editors have to literally rewrite a few of the submitted manuscripts. Only then can they be accepted for production. As in the past during the previous Editor-in-Chief’s tenure this year too, the editorial committee has put in a lot of effort to maintain the standard of our journal at the highest levels. As we look forward to the New Year 2025, some of the upcoming ideas include: Enhance review process: It is proposed to have an online webinar for reviewers so as to keep improving the quality of the review process. Soft copy of issues: Requesting more and more members to opt for soft copies of the journal so as to reduce the use of paper and also decrease printing costs. From this edition of JIAOMR Times,[3] we will start with a column of Quiz, crosswords specially keeping in mind our enthusiastic undergraduates. For postgraduates, we intend to start publishing a clinical picture/image of a case for diagnosis purpose. We thank all our JIAOMR members, reviewers, and readers for their continued cooperation in this past year and look forward to similar support in the year ahead. By investing in improving reviewer contributions and raising the bar for manuscript quality, the journal can reinforce its reputation for academic excellence. Let us remember, the legacy we leave behind is not just in the accolades we receive but in the positive, enduring impact of our collective efforts. Jai Hind! Jai JIAOMR!