Journal of the American Medical Association

Journal of the American Medical Association. It is a peer-reviewed medical journal published weekly by the American Medical Association and is one of the most widely circulated and influential publications in its field. First published in 1883, it covers the full spectrum of medical science and practice, publishing original research, reviews, and editorials. The journal is a cornerstone of the JAMA Network, a consortium of specialty publications, and its content is instrumental in shaping clinical guidelines and public health policy globally.

History and founding

The journal was established in 1883 in Chicago by the American Medical Association, under the initial editorship of John H. Hollister. Its creation was part of a broader effort by the AMA to consolidate scientific communication and elevate professional standards during a period of reform in American medicine. The publication rapidly grew in prominence, moving its editorial offices to Washington, D.C. in 1960 before returning to Chicago in 2011. Key historical milestones include its consistent weekly publication schedule, even during World War II, and its early adoption of rigorous peer review processes. The journal's evolution mirrors the growth of modern biomedical research and its role in major public health discussions, from the 1918 influenza pandemic to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Editorial scope and impact

The journal publishes original research, systematic reviews, clinical trials, and authoritative commentaries across all medical disciplines, including internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, and public health. It maintains one of the highest impact factor ratings among general medical journals, reflecting its widespread citation in the scientific literature. Its content directly influences clinical practice guidelines issued by bodies like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The journal's international reach is significant, with readers and contributors from major institutions like the World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, and Harvard Medical School.

Notable articles and contributions

Throughout its history, the journal has published landmark studies that have altered medical practice and public understanding. Seminal work includes the Framingham Heart Study reports that identified major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and early research on the transmission and treatment of HIV. It has featured pivotal clinical trials, such as those leading to the use of tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention and aspirin for secondary cardiovascular prevention. The journal is also renowned for its influential Consensus Conference reports and for publishing groundbreaking studies on social determinants of health, including the Whitehall Studies on socioeconomic status and mortality.

Editorial process and policies

Manuscripts undergo a rigorous single-anonymized peer review process managed by a team of professional editors and an international board of contributing editors. The editor-in-chief, Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, oversees editorial policy with guidance from a governing council. The journal adheres to strict ethical standards set by organizations like the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and requires trial registration in platforms such as ClinicalTrials.gov. It has been a leader in policies promoting transparency, including conflict-of-interest disclosure and requirements for data sharing. The journal also actively addresses issues of publication ethics and research integrity in collaboration with bodies like the Committee on Publication Ethics.

Related publications and initiatives

The journal is the flagship publication of the JAMA Network, which includes a family of specialty journals such as JAMA Surgery, JAMA Psychiatry, and JAMA Cardiology. The network operates the JAMA Network Reader and provides content through the JAMA Network Open, an open-access journal. Other major initiatives include the JAMA Evidence series, which features textbooks like *The Rational Clinical Examination*, and multimedia educational offerings through JAMA Network Audio and JAMA Network Video. The publisher, the American Medical Association, also produces other notable periodicals like *AMA Journal of Ethics* and the news publication *American Medical News*.

Category:Medical journals Category:American Medical Association Category:Publications established in 1883