For Editors

Editors for the Journal of Innovations in Internal Medicine (JIIM) are entrusted with the critical role of ensuring that the research published meets the highest academic and ethical standards. Their responsibilities extend beyond manuscript evaluation to maintaining the journal’s integrity and supporting authors to publish high-quality work that contributes to advancements in internal medicine. The detailed responsibilities and expectations for editors at JIIM are outlined below.

1. Editorial Responsibilities

1.1 Ensuring the Quality of Submissions

  • Initial Screening: Each manuscript submitted to JIIM undergoes an initial evaluation by the assigned editor. The editor ensures that the submission fits the journal’s Aims and Scope and adheres to the basic Author Guidelines. Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria are either returned to authors for revisions or rejected before the peer review process.
  • Relevance and Originality: Editors verify that the submitted work is original, makes a meaningful contribution, and addresses current issues within the internal medicine field. Each manuscript must offer new insights that align with the journal's mission.
  • Ethical Integrity: Editors confirm that the manuscript complies with ethical research standards, including plagiarism screening and appropriate ethical approvals for studies involving human or animal subjects.

1.2 Managing the Peer Review Process

  • Reviewer Selection: Editors select independent experts relevant to the manuscript’s topic to ensure a fair and thorough peer review process. Potential conflicts of interest must be avoided when choosing reviewers.
  • Timeliness: Editors oversee the peer review process to ensure it progresses efficiently, including sending reminders to reviewers and managing feedback timelines to prevent delays.
  • Communication: Editors maintain professional, clear, and constructive communication with authors and reviewers, providing comprehensive feedback that guides authors to enhance their work.
  • Final Decision: Editors evaluate reviewer feedback and decide on the manuscript’s acceptance, required revisions, or rejection based on the quality, relevance, and alignment with the journal’s objectives.

1.3 Handling Ethical Issues

  • Plagiarism and Misconduct: Editors must be vigilant in identifying ethical issues such as plagiarism, data manipulation, or unethical practices. If necessary, editors request clarification or escalate the issue to the editorial board for further investigation.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Editors must disclose any conflicts of interest regarding a manuscript under consideration and, if necessary, recuse themselves from handling it to maintain impartiality.

1.4 Continuous Development

  • Promoting the Journal: Editors promote JIIM within their networks and professional circles, attracting high-quality submissions and supporting special issues or emerging research trends.
  • Contributing to Journal Strategy: Editors provide valuable input to the journal’s strategic development, suggesting improvements, expanding the scope, or launching thematic issues.

2. Editor Benefits

The commitment and expertise of the editorial team at JIIM are highly valued. Editors receive several benefits as a recognition of their contributions:

2.1 Free Publication
Editors are granted a full waiver of the Article Processing Charge (APC) for one article they submit to JIIM within a one-calendar-year period, enabling them to publish their work at no cost and share their research with a global audience through open access.

2.2 Professional Development

  • Skill Enhancement: Editors develop and refine their skills in manuscript evaluation, peer review management, and academic decision-making.
  • Networking: Serving as an editor provides opportunities to collaborate with top researchers and professionals, enhancing professional connections.
  • Recognition: Editors’ names and affiliations are featured prominently on the journal’s website, and they are acknowledged in the annual editorial report, raising their profile in the academic community.

2.3 Contribution to the Field
Editors play a significant role in advancing the field of internal medicine by guiding the publication of innovative research. Their contributions help shape academic discourse and influence developments in clinical and medical practice.

2.4 Influence on Journal Development
Editors contribute to the strategic direction of JIIM by suggesting improvements and helping define thematic areas for special issues. Their insights help ensure that the journal remains relevant and aligned with emerging trends and significant topics within internal medicine.