Welcome Message by the New Editor-in-Chief: Bringing Indian Gastrointestinal Endoscopy to the World

Surinder Rana, MD, DM, FAMS, AGAF, FASGE, FSGEI, Master ISG

It is a great honor, privilege, as well as profound responsibility to assume the role of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Digestive Endoscopy (JDE), the official journal of the Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India (SGEI). This journal was established with the aim of creating a platform for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopists in India to share their clinical experiences and research. Over the past few years, the journal has evolved into a respected international GI endoscopy publication, with an ever-growing global readership and increasing manuscript submissions from around the world. The remarkable success of JDE is a testament to the vision and dedication of its former Editors-in-Chief, Prof. Showkat Ali Zargar and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Goenka, who nurtured the journal from its inception into an internationally recognized publication. I step into this role with deep respect for the journal's legacy and with an enthusiastic vision for its future. As Editor-in-Chief, my goal is to build upon the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and to provide a platform for GI endoscopists—especially those from remote parts of our country—to publish their clinical and research work. I am sincerely grateful to Dr. Malay Sharma, Secretary of SGEI, and the Governing Council of SGEI for entrusting me with this prestigious responsibility. As I take on this academic role, I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, Prof. Deepak Kumar Bhasin, for introducing me to the field of GI endoscopy and clinical research, and for inspiring me to pursue excellence.

The integrity, reputation, and reach of any scientific journal are largely determined by the quality and standing of its editorial board and reviewers. I am fortunate to work with a dedicated, hardworking, and enthusiastic team of section editors, associate editors, and board members. This team represents an exceptional blend of bright, young endoscopists from across the country, as well as experienced leaders in the field of GI endoscopy. I am also privileged to have the guidance of some of India's most respected senior endoscopists including Dr. D. N. Reddy, Dr. Amit Maydeo, and Dr. Randhir Sud who serve on our National Advisory Board. My sincere thanks also go to our international editorial board members, who have graciously agreed to join us in this journey. I am confident that their global perspective and invaluable experience will significantly contribute to the continued success of the journal. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Mahesh Goenka for his continued support and for agreeing to serve as Editor Emeritus, ensuring continuity and mentorship as we move forward.

The field of GI endoscopy is evolving at a lightning pace, and it is imperative for JDE to be an active part of this exciting journey. As the new editorial board assumes responsibility for the journal, we remain committed to publishing high-quality original research, editorials, and review articles. In line with the expanding scope of endoscopy, we will introduce new sections in JDE focused on third space endoscopy, surgical endoscopy, and pediatric GI endoscopy, each with dedicated section editors. We are also dedicated to streamlining the submission, peer review, and publication processes—making them more efficient and user-friendly—without compromising the rigor of high-quality peer review. One of our key goals is to reduce the time to first decision to under four weeks. Recognizing the educational value of visual learning, we will continue to feature endoscopy images accompanied by key learning points. Additionally, we plan to introduce several new sections, including Techniques in GI Endoscopy, Expert Commentaries, Systematic reviews, E-videos, and Practice Guidelines. Updated instructions for authors will soon be available to reflect these changes. To broaden the reach and impact of the journal, we will also enhance JDE's digital presence through social media and other online platforms, facilitating wider dissemination of our content. It will be our endeavor to encourage submissions from underrepresented regions and fostering diverse perspectives. We will ensure timely peer review, digital-first publication models, and innovative article formats. We are committed to encouraging early-career investigators and trainees—who represent the future leadership of GI endoscopy—to contribute to the journal both as authors and peer reviewers. We aim to be at the forefront of emerging fields, especially in artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, and cutting-edge therapeutic innovations. We aim to be a platform for disruptive technologies as well as new procedural paradigms, with a focus on clinical impact.

I invite you all, our authors, readers, reviewers, and society members, to be active participants in this journey. Whether you are submitting innovative research or engaging in high-quality peer review, your contributions are what keep JDE thriving. I also welcome and value the feedback of our readers and contributors, which will be instrumental in helping us further improve the quality and relevance of JDE.

Thank you for your trust and support—let us shape the future of GI endoscopy in India, together.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
22 May 2025