Editor's note

Jaime Alvarado Bestene  MD. (1)

(1) Editor – Director Colombian Review of Gastroenterology

Received: 25-05-15    Accepted: 02-06-15

This issue of the Colombian Review of Gastroenterology presents several original papers, case reports and reviews that are the product of research in our area by different groups of specialists from here in Colombia and from abroad. When they reach your hands you will be able to reflect on the work of many months that went into the organization of this issue of the magazine.

Often, more than expected, I ask myself, "Why review these studies? Why should I select peer reviewers? Balance opinions? Accept or reject manuscripts? Edit? Publish? Correct texts? And, above all, why should I try to maintain high quality standards?"

I often think that this is an almost meaningless, cramped task, but then common sense prevails, and I find the answer, "As long as scientific and academic gastroenterology exist, the Colombian Review of Gastroenterology will be strong."

These characteristics have marked the recent past of our magazine: a significant increase in original papers, manuscripts from other countries submitted ever more frequently, positive indicators of readability in various databases, international citations, increasingly rigorous peer reviews, frequent rejection of manuscripts, zero tolerance of plagiarism and almost simultaneous digital publication on the website of the Association.

All these elements are the cumulative result of many years of work, of the existence of a well-structured editorial board, a group of independent and scientifically sound external peers, as well as of the existence of a very professional support staff.

The inclusion of the Review in more international databases and its participation in the processes of accreditation of ISO standards and Colciencias' processes of indexing are indicators of maturity as well as the results of strenuous efforts.

For all of these reasons, the Colombian Review of Gastroenterology is what Colombian gastroenterology and its Association is, an adult with a promising future.