Endocrine Pathology, the Official Journal of Endocrine Pathology Society, is honoring its founding Co-Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Kalman Kovacs, and his lifetime partner/collaborator Dr. Eva Horvath [1], with a special thematic issue that focuses on fundamental aspects of endocrine disorders. The special issue of Endocrine Pathology will be published in two parts written by several groups of disease experts who provide practical overviews of select topics at various levels. Part I includes the first five articles of this thematic issue.

The articles of part I of the special issue include the overview of the spectrum of endocrine pathology [2] and the importance of differentiation and function in endocrine neoplasia [3], which define the scope and distinctive aspects of endocrine pathology practice. The clinical responsibilities of diagnosticians are further exemplified in a practical article that summarizes the under-recognized “critical” role of the assessment of the nontumorous parenchyma in endocrine organs [4]. The clinicopathological spectrum of infectious and inflammatory disorders including but not limited to drug-induced inflammatory reactions and IgG4-related disease involving the endocrine system is also covered using a comprehensive organ-based approach [5]. One article is focused on the driver role of pathologists in guiding clinical management in endocrine oncology from a practical perspective, emphasizing what clinicians seek in pathology reports [6].

I am confident that this special issue of Endocrine Pathology will serve as a foundational reference for any learner in medical and scientific audiences to enhance various translational aspects of endocrine pathology.

I would like to thank all the authors for their contributions and our meticulous reviewers who ensured the highest standards during the rigorous peer-review process. The invaluable support of our publishing team, particularly the outstanding work of our production coordinator, Ms. Razel Gerona-Avanzado, is also acknowledged.

Editor-in-Chief, Endocrine Pathology