From the Editor's Desk: Happy Summer

In previous years, the summer issue of the Ochsner Journal has typically been a nonthemed edition presenting a collection of manuscripts representing various wide-ranging topics in medicine. When I began selecting articles for this summer issue, it became evident that we had recently accepted for publication 8 manuscripts with a distinct head and neck theme. As a trained otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon, I take great pleasure in including these articles as part of a summer 2016 theme issue.

The 3 original research papers present studies of pediatric bronchoscopy for foreign body aspiration, radiographic/audiologic findings in the temporal bones of patients having CHARGE syndrome, and pediatricians' confidence and behaviors in smoking cessation promotion and knowledge of the Smoking Cessation Trust in Louisiana.

An excellent literature review details the contemporary approach to the diagnosis and management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea.

Several head and neck–related case reports are also presented, including one detailing the management of a thyroglossal duct remnant with follicular hyperplasia presenting after total thyroidectomy. The Ochsner Journal front cover images are the radiologic, intraoperative, and pathologic findings from this most interesting case.

Accompanying this selection of head and neck–themed articles are 3 additional original research articles. The 2 medicine papers look at lupus anticoagulant in children and at low-income primary care patients' perceptions of obesity treatment. The third paper is an important pre/post evaluation of the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers National Initiative IV.

The summer issue also includes 2 complementary articles about do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders. The quarterly Bioethics in Practice column examines some of the ethical and legal issues related to DNR orders in Louisiana, while the review by Sumrall et al looks specifically at ethical issues related to anesthetizing a patient with a DNR order in place.

A goal of the Ochsner Journal editorial staff is to prioritize articles that present original research as well as reviews and contemporary updates. Additionally, we welcome papers that highlight innovative academic and clinical programs. As evidenced in our Spring 2016 Innovations in Medical Education issue, we are similarly focusing on publishing outstanding work that details projects aimed at maximizing quality patient care and safety. We still plan to publish case reports but not with the regularity of our recent past. These efforts are all aligned to enhance the overall quality and recognition of the Ochsner Journal and to showcase the many outstanding contributions we receive from our editorial board, reviewers, and publication staff.

The recent successes of our publication represent a true team effort. It is with sincere gratitude that I thank the various members of our academic team who make each issue of the Journal possible.

Finally, our work is for nothing if not for the many authors who now trust us to provide effective and efficient constructive reviews of their work. Thanks to all for your confidence in our review/publication process and have a safe and happy summer filled with many different sunsets.