In this issue we highlight the study of Gorgey et al., evaluating the use of teleSCI for lower extremity strengthening with electrical stimulation. I want to bring your attention to this article because it exemplifies a practical, well-written pilot that allows us to ‘think out of the box’, the type of work I would like to promote in Spinal Cord Series and Cases. In our ever changing world, it is imperative that we utilize technology to improve our patient’s lives in a patient-centered fashion. Yet, it also is important that we emphasize the needs of all of our patients around the world, not just those that have access to all new treatments available, but also those that must make due with shortages or modifications in developing countries.

As Editor-In-Chief, I am looking for submissions that have high impact – not based upon impact factor but based upon practicality, importance or identification of a need that has otherwise been unaddressed or has gone unmet. I want to hear about new topics that aren’t ready to be studied in a well-developed research project but are still meaningful to patients and providers. In light of this we will be initiating an Annual Spinal Cord Series and Cases Award to include a plaque and a 750 Euro prize to the first author of the paper published in Spinal Cord Series and Cases that has the most impact and importance for the spinal cord community. The first award will be given in 2017 for submissions published this year, so please share this opportunity with your colleagues and considering submitting!

Additionally, I would like to announce two new features that will begin later this year in Spinal Cord Series and Cases. Soon we will be starting a special feature entitled Spinal Cord Pulse. We will be holding regular online surveys of the SCI community to see their thoughts on current clinical practices and issues and publish the results regularly as journal articles. Additionally we will have a point-counterpoint feature to discuss controversies in management in spinal cord injury. These two features will be by invitation; however, suggested topics and self-nominations are appreciated and you can write to me at spinalcordmd@live.com for your suggestions and ideas, especially if you would like to take the lead on one of these publications.

Thanks for reading!

Marcalee Alexander, MD