DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e31816aab64

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Issn Print: 1049-2275

Publication Date: 2008/05/01


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Historical Perspectives on the Formation of the Journal: A Long Journey in a Complex Arena

Mutaz B. Habal

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Excerpt

This article is a response to popular demand that we keep the next generation of craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgeons up to par on the formation of the journal. It also addresses the request by many of our dedicated readers to learn how the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery was created, the way it achieved its popularity, and its impact on the pediatric plastic and craniofacial communities around the world in the past 25 years. We at the editorial board formulated these thoughts and will share them with you hoping this information will be an impetus for those who believe the dedication to this process is paramount. It is sometimes hard for most of us to believe how those last 25 years have passed in such a fast and consistent fashion, make us reach this part of our journey, knowing the fact that there is still more to come.
First of all, we note that this is a real historical event. It has been more than 25 years since the early work began and 20 years for the actual production anniversary, with the 19th volume now out of production and on your desk. Therefore, it is a magnificent event. It seems appropriate at this time to share our experiences with you and at the same time give a reliable perspective and an educational value to the younger surgeons who are really eager to work, participate, and be part of the group and the event as well as the process, and work with us in the trenches in harvesting the new fields. The Journal idea was tossed around for many years before it came to fruition. Between the time the concept was born and the time the first issue was printed, 7 years of hard work were under way. I will note only the highlights and spare the minute details for brevity.
Over twenty-five summers ago, we were in Montreal at the International meeting of plastic surgeons. Seven or 8 of us were sitting together, including Drs Doug Ousterhout, Ken Salyer, and Lin Whitaker. Others either sitting with us or passing in and out participated in the group discussion at the Bonaventure Hotel, a famous spot I will always remember. The discussions led us to the idea that we were becoming a "specialized group" within plastic surgery. We were in need of a vehicle, a forum of communication, to communicate with each other and to allow the younger generation to participate and gain exposure to both emerging fields and innovations, pediatric and craniofacial surgery. The time was right. At the same Montreal meeting, many of our group gave presentations, keynote addresses, panels, and other activities within the overall program of the Plastic Surgery Congress. At that time, I was more involved in Advances in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which was starting to see the light of day. Doctor Bill Morain, who is a friend from our residency days at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, was helping me with Advances, but pediatric and craniofacial were not at the top of his list. His name came in within the discussion as an asset.
Advances made in the field were a major concept, so that was the focus of my topic at the Congress. The whole field of plastic surgery was sprouting with new advances and emerging technologies. The meeting's activities were published for participants to review and plan their schedules.
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