A new vision for the JACC: Interview with JACC Editor-in-Chief Harlan Krumholz
Harlan Krumholz, MD, SM, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), is reshaping how the journal operates and how it interacts with the cardiovascular community. As a cardiologist and the Harold H. Hines, Jr. Professor of Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, Krumholz brings a fresh perspective, focused on speed, dissemination, and collaboration.
In a recent interview, Krumholz shared his vision for the future of JACC, emphasizing a more dynamic approach to article review and the dissemination of research.
"We're committed to reviewing papers rapidly, and once they're accepted, putting them online before the print version is released," he explained.
The goal is to keep pace with the fast-moving world of cardiovascular research. The traditional model, where articles were held until the print copy was available, no longer aligns with the rapid advancements in the field.
Krumholz also spoke about his commitment to streamlining the publication process, aiming for faster decisions on submissions.
"Fifty percent of papers get a decision within two days, and we're working to deliver a first decision within three weeks for those that go to review," he said. His goal is to elevate high-quality research while ensuring that findings are quickly accessible to the global cardiovascular community.
A key component of this new vision is the focus on how research is shared. Krumholz recognizes that, in today's digital world, many readers access scientific findings through derivative sources, such as articles or social media, rather than the original research paper.
"We need to give people information in the way they like to consume it," he noted. This shift means that JACC is evolving into a digital publishing platform, not just a print journal.
Social media also plays a significant role in Krumholz’s strategy. With more than 26,000 Twitter followers, he understands the platform’s potential for spreading accurate, credible information.
"We need to amplify evidence and give people a perspective on the strength of the evidence we publish," he said, highlighting the importance of trustworthy sources in combating misinformation.
In addition to embracing digital platforms, Krumholz is fostering new partnerships, including a strategic collaboration with The Lancet that was recently announced during the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2024 meeting. This alliance allows for joint initiatives, such as commissions on global cardiovascular health, and facilitates greater reach in the U.S. and internationally.
"We’re working together to amplify important research," he explained, calling it a complement to JACC’s goal of becoming a truly global journal.
Beyond improving speed and reach, Krumholz is also looking at how JACC can nurture the next generation of researchers. He emphasized the importance of investing in early- and mid-career investigators.
"We’re working to create a diverse, talented group of future leaders," he said, noting that JACC’s editorial board now includes many younger professionals. This approach aims to ensure that the future of cardiovascular research continues to innovate and grow.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: dfornell@innovatehealthcare.com