Farewell, but Not Goodbye
In 2011, I was approached by Dr. Clinton Brawner, at the time the current President of the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA), about an idea he had of a journal dedicated to the practicing clinical exercise physiologist. His ask to me was to be the Co-Editor-in-Chief, along with him, and to launch the first issue in 2012. I reluctantly said yes and subsequently set off a wonderfully frustrating and highly rewarding journey to establish, solidify, and grow the Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology (JCEP), which is the Official Journal of the CEPA. Now after 14 volumes, 40 issues, 4 supplemental issues, and nearly 1,000 pages of articles, I have decided to step down as the Editor-in-Chief following this issue (Volume 14, Issue 1).
The initial 4 volumes (2012–2015) included only 1 issue per year containing review articles, case studies, and invited commentaries. In 2016, we made the decision to increase the number of issues to 3 (and subsequently to the current 4 issues per year in 2017) and to begin publishing original research. This required the establishment of associate editors, section editors, and a cadre of peer reviewers. Without the outstanding group of individuals who have rotated through these roles over the past 7 years, the journal could not have succeeded. I am so thankful for them all, and I have an additional huge thank you to Clinton, who had the initial idea and drive to establish JCEP during his 5 years as the Co-Editor-in-Chief.
In addition to increasing the number of issues and pages published per year, we have also grown the readership. Initially, JCEP was only available to members of the CEPA (∼500–600 members in 2012–2015). In 2017, an agreement was reached with Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA) to establish JCEP as the Official Journal of the ESSA. This expanded potential readership to thousands more. In 2022, the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) began to offer JCEP as a member benefit.
As stated in the title of this editorial, I am leaving as Editor but not leaving JCEP. In the June issue, you will meet Professor Neil Smart, who is the next Editor of JCEP. At that time, I will move to a supporting role for JCEP with a goal of continuing to work to solidify the journal’s future. This includes growing readership, article submissions, and assisting the ongoing work toward indexing in the Web of Science and MEDLINE (note that JCEP is currently indexed in Google Scholar).
In closure, being the Editor of JCEP and seeing what it has (and will) become is a blessing in my life. I urge you all to introduce JCEP to anyone within your circle of influence (including your colleagues and students), as this is the best way to encourage new readers and submitters. Let us all continue to grow the reach and influence of JCEP among the world’s practicing clinical exercise physiologists.