Abstract
As we reflect on the challenges and opportunities encountered by craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgeons in 2023, it is clear that the rapidly evolving landscape of this field is marked by both unprecedented advances and complicated hurdles to overcome. Progressing into 2024, CMF surgeons will need to navigate these challenges while embracing new opportunities to provide optimal patient care and contribute to the continued advancement of the field.
A major challenge faced by CMF surgeons in 2023 has been the residual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare systems worldwide have been stretched thin, leading to delayed surgeries over the past 3 years and the diversion of resources to address the pandemic’s pressing demands. This period has been particularly challenging for clinical academic research. As we look forward to 2024, CMF surgeons need to continue adapting to these changing circumstances, prioritize patient safety, and work to address the backlog of cases.
As we embark on 2024, the field of CMF surgery stands on the cusp of numerous ground-breaking innovations and advancements. The Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction (CMTR) journal is committed to remaining at the forefront of this rapidly evolving landscape. As part of this commitment, we are excited to announce our goal to transition to an open access model by 2025. This transition will not only increase the accessibility and dissemination of cutting-edge research but also enhance our efforts to attract high-quality submissions from researchers and clinicians worldwide.
Our dedication drives the decision to transition towards an open-access model to make the latest developments in CMF surgery available to the global research community. By eliminating subscription barriers, we aim to foster greater collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals from various disciplines, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and more effective treatment strategies.
The open access model will also be crucial in attracting high-quality submissions to CMTR. The significantly wider readership ensures that authors’ work is shared with the entire CMF community. The shared knowledge will enable surgeons and researchers from diverse backgrounds and resource-limited settings to access cutting-edge information, facilitating scientific progress and global patient care.
In addition to our transition to open access, CMTR is committed to maintaining rigorous peer-review standards and ensuring the publication of only the highest-quality research. To this end, we will continue to work with our esteemed editorial board and reviewers to uphold the integrity of the review process and provide constructive feedback to authors. As the official journal of AOCMF, with the largest network in the CMF community, CMTR can connect with experts as reviewers to provide valuable advice on submissions. We will also actively invite contributions from key opinion leaders to ensure our journal remains a trusted source of cutting-edge CMF surgical knowledge.
To achieve our goal of transitioning to an open access model and attracting high-quality submissions, we rely on the continued support of the CMF community. We encourage researchers and clinicians to submit their latest findings, share their expertise, and contribute to our journal’s growth and development. Together, we can make CMTR a leading source of information and inspiration in CMF trauma and reconstruction.
We wish you all the very best in the year 2024!
Editors-in-Chief, Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction