A Journey of Purpose, Progress and Gratitude

Abstract

As I pen this final editorial at the close of 2025, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude, pride, fulfilment, and reflection. Serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology (JIAOMR) over the past two years has been both a privilege and a transformative experience, which has been marked by growth, innovation, and renewed commitment to excellence in our field—made possible by the collective dedication of our editorial team, reviewers, authors, and readers. REFLECTING ON TWO YEARS OF PROGRESS During these past 2 years, JIAOMR has taken significant steps forward and has achieved several milestones that have strengthened the journal’s scientific impact, broadened its visibility, and sharpened its editorial standards. Some noteworthy accomplishments include: Strengthening Scientific Rigor and Editorial Standards Strict implementation of blinded peer-review process, reducing review timelines, while improving manuscript quality. Introduction of structured checklists and reviewer guidelines to promote consistency, transparency, and fairness. Promoting Research Diversity and Innovation Significant increase in submissions from early-career researchers like post-graduate students, reflecting growing participation and mentorship within our specialty. Expanded representation of interdisciplinary research, including Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostic models, advanced radiologic imaging techniques, forensic odontology, and patient-cent red oral medicine research. Growth in Journal Reach and Engagement Broadening of our contributor base, with increased submissions from diverse institutions all across India and abroad. Growth in national and international readership, marked by increased citation rates, and broader institutional access. Conduction of Research Activities: For the first time, a Reviewer’s Training Webinar was organized for IAOMR members on February 27–28, 2025. The webinar had certain targeted sessions, which were designed to provide practical insights thereby improving peer assessment. We received a profound response and all the delegates attended the sessions with enthusiasm and a curiosity to learn. This has helped improve the overall quality of the peer review process. The delegates of Reviewers Training workshop were keen on an in-depth discussion on the popular topic of ‘Systematic review and Meta-analysis’. In view of this, a Hybrid Pre-Conference course on ‘Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’ was conducted during the 36th IAOMR National Conference at Navi Mumbai on November 21–23, which comprised three online sessions (on November 12th, 14th, and 18th) followed by an on-site session at the conference venue on November 21, 2025. Timely online publication of the IAOMR times, which incorporated a new column from December 2024 known as “Knowledge Grid,” which contains word search, puzzles, and Diagnostic challenges. Also, starting this year, the December 2025 issue will feature a special column dedicated to patents. These advancements reflect not just procedural improvements, but the passion and academic curiosity of our expanding community. Each of these achievements is also not the work of one individual but the shared commitment of a vibrant community united by a thirst for knowledge and progress. GRATITUDE TO THE EDITORIAL COMMITTEE This journey would not have been possible without the steadfast support of my Associate Editors, whose commitment, dedication to timely reviews, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering support have been the backbone of our editorial process. Their expertise and leadership ensured that every issue met the highest academic standards. I also thank my Assistant Editors and Editorial Board Members, for lending their time, wisdom, and critical insight. The teamwork of the entire editorial committee has been invaluable in upholding the scientific quality and credibility of the journal. A SALUTE TO OUR REVIEWERS, AUTHORS, AND READERS I sincerely thank all our reviewers, who have taken time out from their busy schedules to provide us with constructive feedback and critical insights on manuscripts, which have helped to improve the quality of articles published. To our authors, who entrusted us with their research and continually enriched the journal with new ideas—I extend my heartfelt appreciation for choosing JIAOMR as the platform to share your research and clinical experiences. Your contributions form the backbone of this publication and drive continuous discourse and advancements in our field. To our readers, including clinicians, academicians, students, and researchers, thank you for engagement, trust, encouragement, and sharing your feedback. Every issue published is meaningful only because it reaches practitioners, academicians, researchers, and students who seek to learn, question, and contribute further. FUTURE ADVANCEMENT “Do not wait to be just a part of outcome, Come, be a part of process and The outcome will be glorious and renowned” To keep our journal name flying high and help in achieving PubMed indexation soon, some of the steps that we all can take include: Increase journal citation by citing JIAOMR articles when you are writing manuscripts for any journal not just JIAOMR. Avoid self-citation. Follow the Journal Guidelines meticulously, which will reduce the time required for technical modification and thus the article acceptance time. Subscription of the journal through your institutions. Visit the journal website regularly to read and download articles and refrain from asking for free hard-copies of the journal. LOOKING AHEAD As I conclude my tenure, I do so with the satisfaction of having worked with a remarkable team and an inspiring community. It has been an honor beyond measure—one that has offered me the privilege of nurturing scientific dialogue, promoting academic integrity, and witnessing the tremendous evolution of our journal. I am confident that JIAOMR is poised for even greater accomplishments in future, and request all IAOMR members to continue supporting the journal in all the possible way you can. The foundation we have built together will continue to support innovation and excellence in Oral Medicine and Radiology. I look forward to witnessing the journal continue to thrive and flourish under new leadership and remain committed to supporting its mission in any way I can. With gratitude and warm regards, Jai Hind! Jai IAOMR!

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