These are certainly exciting times for the APA. A new strategic plan, summarized in Peter Szilagyi’s “seven letters” to the membership, addresses wide-ranging issues for the future of our organization, including: addressing our identity, mission, and core values; enhancing our organization’s effectiveness and infrastructure; meeting the changing needs of our membership; and promoting scholarship and advocacy activities.

APA will also be experiencing another transition at the end of 2008, as the incredibly successful tenure of Jim Perrin as Editor in Chief of Ambulatory Pediatrics will come to a close. Under the direction of Steve Ludwig, a search for a new Editor in Chief is now under way. As chair of the APA Journal Committee, I thought this would be a good time to review some of the amazing progress we have seen during our journal’s mere seven years as an independent journal (nine years overall). Prompt review response times for authors (average 53 days) have been maintained in the face of ever-increasing numbers of manuscript submissions (240 submissions in 2006). Nonetheless, the average time from acceptance to publication remains at 4-5 months, with virtually all manuscripts published within 8 months of acceptance. In a very short period of time, the Journal has become quite well-respected, particularly for its analytical and practical editorial feedback for authors, and for the high quality of its published manuscripts, perhaps especially in health services research and education. Our relationship with the publisher, Elsevier, has been very productive, and we anticipate continued growth in subscriptions, particularly fueled by the Journal’s rapidly growing reputation. At this time, the Board is also considering new approaches to increasing the Journal’s circulation, including reaching out to some of our “sister” pediatric organizations and their members.

With so many exciting developments in the works, this is a wonderful time to remember the importance of your involvement and support, and to make a contribution to the APA Development Fund! The Fund is alive and well in 2007 – so far this year, you have contributed a total of $23,680, putting us more than $5,000 ahead of last year’s figure at this same time! As the winter holiday time approaches, please save some of your TAX-DEDUCTIBLE giving for the APA Development Fund. Click here to download a contribution form, and send it in with your contribution or pledge. Although not yet available as of this writing, online donation capability is coming soon -- check for this in the “Members Only” area of our website. Thank you all for your generous contributions, and have a happy holiday season!

Arthur H. Fierman, M.D.
Treasurer

Updated 01/04/08