The American Journal of Gastroenterology "Impact Factor" Increases to 7.28

Ranked as one of the top clinical GI journals

BETHESDA, Md., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Journal of Gastroenterology increased its impact factor from 6.88 in 2010 to 7.28 in 2011, a measure of the number of citations a journal receives to articles published in the past two years.  With this strong showing on a quantitative measure of a journal's importance and standing within its field, AJG ranks sixth out of seventy-four scientific journals in gastroenterology and hepatology according to data compiled by Thomson Reuters. 

Known as the "Red Journal" among its readership for its distinctive red cover, The American Journal of Gastroenterology is published by UK-based Nature Publishing Group and is the official publication of the American College of Gastroenterology.  The Co-Editors-in-chief are Dr. William D. Chey of the University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan and Dr. Paul Moayyedi of McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  The stated aim of the Co-Editors is to meet the evolving educational needs of the ACG membership and gastroenterologists in clinical practice.

"The steady growth in the impact factor for The American Journal of Gastroenterology underscores the rigor of the review process and the quality and relevance of the articles published," commented ACG President Lawrence R. Schiller, M.D., FACG.   "The Red Journal is considered essential reading for clinical gastroenterologists and the College is proud of its reputation for high caliber clinical science on digestive diseases and conditions."

The journal's Co-Editors-in-Chief, Dr. Moayyedi and Dr. Chey, commented, "We are delighted that the impact factor for AJG continues to increase.  The Associate Editors and all the editorial team work tirelessly to attract and publish the best science in the Red Journal.  Our impact factor confirms that the Red Journal is the top journal to publish original clinical GI science."

A guide to interpreting the impact factor as a quantitative approach to evaluating scientific journals from Thomson Reuters can be found here: http://thomsonreuters.com/products_services/science/free/essays/impact_factor/

Digital Tools Enhance the Reach of AJG Clinical Science for GI Clinicians

This year the Co-Editors of The American Journal of Gastroenterology introduced two new features to expand the reach the Journal using digital media.  A new Author Podcast Series launched in March highlights noteworthy articles and engages authors in a lively discussion with one of the Co-Editors each month and can be accessed via the ACG Web site, via the Nature AJG site and via iTunes.   A new Virtual Journal Club inaugurated in May offers an online forum to discuss the latest clinical GI science from The American Journal of Gastroenterology.  Members of the American College of Gastroenterology can become part of this online community and engage with colleagues, post questions and start discussions.

About the American College of Gastroenterology
Founded in 1932, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an international membership of more than 12,000 individuals from 80 countries.  The College is committed to serving the clinically oriented digestive disease specialist through its emphasis on scholarly practice, teaching and research.  The mission of the College is to serve the evolving needs of physicians in the delivery of high quality, scientifically sound, humanistic, ethical, and cost-effective health care to gastroenterology patients.   www.gi.org

About The American Journal of Gastroenterology
The American Journal of Gastroenterology is published on behalf of the American College of Gastroenterology by Nature Publishing Group.  As the leading clinical journal covering gastroenterology and hepatology, The American Journal of Gastroenterology provides practical and professional support for clinicians dealing with the gastroenterological disorders seen most often in patients.  Published with practicing clinicians in mind, AJG devotes itself to publishing timely medical research in gastroenterology and hepatology.  The Co-Editors-in-Chief are William D. Chey, MD, AGAF, FACG, FACP of the University of Michigan and Paul Moayyedi, BSc, MB ChB, PhD, MPH, FRCP, FRCPC, FACG of McMaster University.

SOURCE American College of Gastroenterology