The journal “Endocrinología y Nutrición” and the vast majority

Since 2004, I have had the privilege of being a member of the Editorial Committee of the journal Endocrinología y Nutrición, and I have therefore participated in the ups and downs and the different stages of the journal. When I joined the Committee, it was a journal that was highly appreciated by the members of SEEN, but one that had a low profile and minimal impact, which frustrated us as members, particularly when the dynamism and progression of other biomedical journals was considered. This situation gave us a real identity problem.¹ Attempts were therefore made to include the journal in the Medline base, as we thought that this was a prerequisite for the visibility and progression of any journal. Two prior attempts driven by the self-denying efforts of the successive members of the Editorial Committee had been unsuccessful. In successive phases we tried everything, even expansion to Latin America, so that the journal could become the organ of expression of a sizeable number of countries. This initiative was initially welcomed both in Spain and by the Sociedad Panamericana de Endocrinología, but did not bear fruit. The project was too ambitious and tried to encompass a variety of countries with different attitudes and sensitivities, which finally defeated the initiative. Hardened by difficulties, isolation, and failure, we returned to our original and most logical idea that Endocrinología y Nutrición should be included in Medline, because we also thought that a country such as ours should be represented there, all the more so in a specialty in which such a high scientific level had been achieved.² Thus, after the second appraisal of the journal by the National Library for inclusion in Medline, we designed a methodical and planned project that would be able to overcome the deficiencies found, i.e. the lowest scores given to the different aspects considered. This was a difficult task because many quality articles were needed but, as stated in the editorial subsequent to acceptance, we were supported by a vast majority who continued to believe in the journal, its potential and its future, and who continued to provide both their material for publication and their support. As the result of this systematic search process, the goal was finally achieved and we were listed in Medline.³ This completely changed the level and contents of the journal, which started spontaneously to receive high quality articles from various countries. This was accompanied by an increasing number of external citations of articles published. We all were very satisfied with these advances, but wanted further improvements. Thus, in the framework of the long-standing controversy as to whether the journal should be published in Spanish or in English, we decided to make an effort and publish it in both languages. The journal thus now appears simultaneously in both languages, with the English version being published online.⁴

We therefore quickly took steps to make up for lost time, and soon afterwards, almost three years ago, submitted the journal to examination by the Thomson Reuters Company to have its impact factor calculated. We are still waiting for its decision.

In the interim, there have been other initiatives, such as the creation of the Diabetes and Obesity section, which has served to consolidate the journal, as well as other projects which are not fully settled yet but which will undoubtedly increase its importance.

However, despite this progressive and admired trajectory, our journal has problems of a different nature resulting from the deep economic crisis, which has also had an impact on medical publications.

I think that we will be able to overcome these difficulties and that our journal will continue to improve. With this purpose in mind, changes will progressively be made. In any case, what I do not doubt is that now that I am leaving the journal, it will be in the very good hands of Drs. Dídac Mauricio, Albert Lecube, and the new editor, Dr Irene Halperin, who will continue the task undertaken and the new challenges and projects with the unanimous support from the Board of Directors of SEEN and the publishing company, Elsevier.

Based on the foregoing, I think we now have a journal which is made to our requirements, which is appreciated and estimated by all SEEN members, which represents a significant help in care, research, and teaching, which is now the true organ of expression of SEEN, as stated in the cover of the journal, and which allows for the participation of the vast majority of our members.