Reflecting on three years as IJDVL editor

Building on tradition, embracing innovations

From the outset, my vision for the journal was to maintain a tradition of rigorous scholarship that my predecessors had created while promoting innovation. Our aim has been to establish a platform that disseminates high-quality research and publishes work in a timely manner.

“Navigating the intricate balance between scientific rigour and timely publication is one of the greatest challenges a medical journal editor faces.”

My key objective as Editor has been to increase the volume of submissions, diversify contributions from various countries and most importantly reduce both the manuscript decision time frame and the duration from submission to publication. These improvements are essential to ensure science remains relevant in today’s fast-paced digital era and to inspire authors’ confidence in submitting future work. Over the past three years, our team has dedicated considerable effort to streamlining the editorial, peer review and publication processes. As a result, we have achieved a broader international reach, have reduced publication time significantly and have seen a remarkable growth in new submissions which have more than doubled. Though the article processing remained more or less similar, we did many noteworthy innovations in all spheres.

Journal and publication style

• The journal cover colour scheme is now in alignment with the IADVL logo, creating a brighter, more vibrant look.

• More articles fit per issue now, thanks to lighter paper, removal of plain language summaries from the print journal issues and reduced font size for backmatter statements.

• Ensuring standard and unform abstract subheadings for original article and brief reports.

• For me, simplicity scores over complexity; we streamlined article formatting by using single font i.e. Times New Roman for all headings, subheadings and text and adding grid lines to large tables for more clarity.

• ‘Images in Clinical Practice’ redesignated as ‘Images in Dermatology’ to encompass clinical, dermoscopy and histology images.

• Net articles include a 100-word summary and to reduce the volume of net articles, two supplementary issues were published in 2025.

• To shorten the publication process, the time allowed for reviewers to agree/decline to review the manuscripts was reduced from two weeks to five days and content editors now have adjusted timelines based on the type of manuscript.

Website & submission guidelines

• Post-submission modifications are now included for all manuscript categories to ensure consistency with journal writing styles if this has been missed by the authors.

• All prospective clinical trials must be registered with national or regional registries.

• An author AI statement is now required for transparency and research integrity.

• Author limits for categories have been updated and strictly enforced; two first authors are now permitted for original articles and brief reports.

• Five types of Letters to the Editor were merged into two: observation and study letters.

Redefining editorial team

• Headshots with affiliation of the entire editorial team added on the website.

• Two statistical editors review methodologies in submissions before peer review.

• Media editors manage social media to boost journal visibility on digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter now X. The podcasts with lead authors of the original articles/brief reports are regularly broadcasted and are also archived on the IJDVL website.²

• Section editors are invited to write commentaries recognizing their contributions in article processing who go extra mile to get more reviews done and add their own assessment.

• Associate editors are also invited to write Editorial.

Revered reviewer: IJDVL’s double-blind peer review process upholds transparency.³ IJDVL acknowledges the valuable contributions of reviewers by conferring ‘Revered Reviewer’ designations to recognise their timely and high-quality evaluations. The list is published in the first issue of journal every year.

Navigating unique challenges and milestones

Like any journey worth pursuing, this period was not without its challenges. Serving as only the second woman Editor of IJDVL in its 90-year history—and following a four-decade gap since the first—brought with it a profound sense of responsibility. The expectations were exceptionally high, leaving no margin for error.

Additionally, the rapid evolution of research methodologies, artificial intelligence creeping in every academic arena,⁴ lingering effect of the unprecedented disruptions caused by the global pandemic in the initial phase of my tenure all posed significant hurdles. It is deeply satisfying to witness how collectively we navigated these complexities, emerging stronger and more resilient as a result.

On a personal front, serving as Editor-in-Chief has been the most challenging academic position I have held, requiring the management of people, technology, adherence to strict deadlines and a continuous commitment over three years. Throughout this experience, I have developed greater humility, persistence, patience and resilience.

We have accomplished few milestones that the IJDVL editorial team can be proud of-

Impact factor: In the last 3-years, there has been a steady growth in both the metrics; the impact factor released by Clarivate Analytics and CiteScore by Scopus.^5,6 In the year 2025, IJDVL saw a new impact factor of 3.4 and new CiteScore of 2.6. 

Blackbuck awards: IJDVL won the prestigious Blackbuck Outstanding Journal Award 2025 for excellence in medical and healthcare research publishing, at the 2nd edition of Blackbuck Awards in Aug 2025. This award recognises scientific journals that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the medical field through high-impact research, rigorous peer-review processes and dedication to disseminating critical advancements in medicine and healthcare.

Championing diversity and inclusion: An enduring priority throughout my editorship has been to actively foster diversity and inclusion within the journal. This commitment was reflected not only in the subject matter featured but also in the composition of the editorial team and the representation among contributors. Editorial decisions were made solely based on subject content and relevance with no consideration given to geographical boundaries, personal relationships or the seniority of authors. I am especially proud to note that women constituted over 40% of my editorial team, underscoring our dedication to promoting gender diversity and equal opportunity within the editorial process.⁷

Acknowledgements and Gratitude

As I step down, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have supported and guided me. To our readers, thank you for your engagement, feedback and loyalty. To our authors, your contributions are the lifeblood of this journal, and your pursuit of excellence has continually inspired me. To our reviewers and editorial colleagues, your wisdom and diligence have ensured that our standards remain uncompromised. Their expertise, enthusiasm and constructive feedback have been instrumental in maintaining the journal’s standards of excellence. I am also deeply appreciative of the support and encouragement provided by our advisory board and Executive committee (EC) of IADVL.

I am appreciative of my friend Dr Shyam Verma for encouraging me to apply for the post of Editor-in-Chief and believing in me.

I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to each Editorial team member; my Associate Editors and Section Editors, whose unwavering dedication and expertise have been pivotal to the journal’s progress. Their diligent efforts have consistently upheld the highest standards in editorial review and decision-making, ensuring that every submission received the attention it deserved. Content Editors guaranteed that every article is polished before publication.

Special thanks are due to our Editorial Assistant, Mr Tapas Kayal. The reliability and efficiency demonstrated in his administrative support have made a significant impact on our day-to-day workflow.

The spirit of collaboration extended by the publishing team at Scientific Scholar has been a continuous source of motivation throughout my tenure. Their professionalism and proactive engagement have greatly enhanced our collective ability to achieve the journal’s objectives, fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared purpose.

Looking Ahead

The publishing process is inherently dynamic, characterised by ongoing evolution and adaptation. Each milestone reached is the result of dedicated efforts and meaningful contributions from all previous editors, whose collective work has shaped the journal’s progress and achievements over time. However, some tasks often remain unfinished within the set time frame.

As I hand over the reins to my successor Dr Sujay Khandpur, I am confident that the journal will continue to thrive under new leadership. The future promises exciting possibilities—embracing digital advances including artificial intelligence (AI),⁷ fostering greater global collaboration and further elevating the quality and impact of our published work. I look forward to supporting him in these endeavours.

Bidding Adieu

Leaving this role is bittersweet, for I will dearly miss the daily engagement and the sense of purpose that came with steering the journal forward. However, I am comforted by the knowledge that the legacy that is built over decades, will be carried on with passion and fresh ideas. My association with this journal has been one of the greatest privileges of my career and these memories will remain close to my heart always.

Wishing all contributors, reviewers, readers, editorial team members and publishing house staff a successful and happy 2026.

Long live IJDVL! And Long live IADVL!