COVID-19 numbers again are increasing dramatically. Community infection rates have nearly doubled, and hospitals and health care workers are stretched beyond their limits. It is difficult not to feel anger about how poorly this pandemic was managed (mismanaged) by so many officials in charge and by a large segment of our population who still refuse protective actions to limit spread. While politics and ideology continue to cost American lives, scientific firepower will emerge as our saving grace.
Dr. John I. Allen
My editorial board and I are entering our final year at the helm of GI & Hepatology News. AGA issued a search for the next Editor in Chief (EIC), who will take over October 2021. I urge anyone interested to apply (https://gastro.org/news/prestigious-aga-publications-seek-new-editors-in-chief/). As EIC, you will choose the next editorial board and forge professional friendships that are gratifying. You will assume responsibility for the content, where you must balance your own views with those of both the AGA and our readership.
As EIC, each month I am given space for 300 words to communicate interesting ideas and opinions. The AGA gives the newspaper great editorial freedom, and I hope we have supported AGA’s mission and values when we publish its official newspaper. I always have next month’s editorial in mind, and I look for useful phrases, quotes, ideas, and opinions. If you are interested in becoming EIC, please email ginews@gastro.org for more information.
I would be remiss not to acknowledge the contribution that Lora McGlade has made to GI & Hepatology News. She has been my partner, as the Frontline Medical Communications Editor in charge of GI & Hepatology News. Next month, she will move on to assume a new role. I cannot thank her enough for helping make this newspaper work. As the months go on, I will highlight the contributions of others from the AGA, our Board, and Frontline.
Please stay safe and do not let your guard down. COVID-19 is merciless and relentless. “If you think research is expensive, try disease.” – Mary Lasker.
John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGA
Editor in Chief
