With this editorial, we’d like to pay tribute to Renée Dykeman, executive editor and unsung hero of CPJ. Renée is retiring after more than 20 years with the Journal.
Renée began her journey at CPJ in 2004. Originally from Campbellton, New Brunswick, she obtained her bachelor of arts (BA Hons) in English and drama at Mount Allison University. She then received her MA from the University of Toronto. She started her publishing career at Key Porter Books in Toronto and then spent almost 7 years in the Middle East, working as senior editor of the Annals of Saudi Medicine. Renée was hired in 2004 as managing editor of CPJ, became deputy editor a few years later and was promoted to executive editor in 2012.
You might wonder what an executive editor does. Spoiler alert—pretty much everything. Much of the job is behind the scenes. It involves overseeing the peer review system, fielding questions from authors, finding (and chasing) manuscript reviewers, corresponding with authors, all levels of editing, and keeping the editor-in-chief in line (the last being the biggest job . . .). It also involves coordination of our Editorial Advisory Board and International Editorial Advisory Board and preparing an annual report to the Board of Directors of CPhA. The job also entails liaising with our publisher, Sage, regarding production and publication schedules, advertising, coordinating journal supplements and much more.
Here are a few thoughts from those who have worked closely with Renée.
Ross Tsuyuki (editor-in-chief, CPJ): Renée, you are such a kind and diplomatic soul. I don’t think I have ever heard you say anything bad about anyone. You are the voice of reason when I am losing my mind (which seems to be happening more frequently these days . . .). You are a huge advocate for pharmacists and the care they provide. It was such an honour to work with you and to get to know you. All the best to you, Jeff and your family.
Renée Dykeman, outgoing executive editor, CPJ
Jessica Offenberger (publishing editor, Sage Publications): It has been an absolute privilege and a pleasure to work with you, Renée, for the past 7 years. Your steadfast dedication has been the cornerstone of CPJ. Your unwavering commitment to excellence, stellar vision and meticulous attention to detail have shaped the Journal’s reputation and enriched the scholarly community. You know the ins and outs of the publishing process and serve as a valuable resource for all those who interact with you. As you retire, you leave behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity and a profound impact that will resonate for years to come. You will truly be missed at CPJ, and we at Sage wish you all the best in this next chapter!
Renée Dykeman and Ross Tsuyuki (CPJ editor-in-chief)
Former CPJ editor-in-chief Rosemary Killeen and Renée Dykeman
Rosemary Killeen (former editor-in-chief, CPJ): Renée, it was a genuine pleasure to work with you during my years at CPJ. You were a great source for background information that was so helpful when dealing with both people and organizations when I first joined the publication. Unlike Ross, I believe I did hear you utter 1 or 2 negative words about recalcitrant reviewers and authors, but they were definitely in the spirit of producing the best possible publication for our pharmacist readers and “turning knowledge into practice.” I really appreciate the leadership and determination you showed when CPJ was applying for indexing and wider recognition—things we now take for granted that couldn’t have happened without your efforts. I wish you and your family all the best with whatever comes next.
Renée passes the torch to Sherene Chen-See, who took over as managing editor in June. Big shoes to fill, but CPJ will carry on!
CPJ’s mission is to support pharmacists in optimizing patient care by linking knowledge to practice. We publish the evidence for the impact of pharmacist care on patient outcomes, the tools to help pharmacists implement clinical services and the studies that help us understand practice change. Thank you, Renée, for helping to make CPJ the voice for evidence-based practice. All the best in your retirement.
