The New England Journal of Medicine

The New England Journal of Medicine
Title	The New England Journal of Medicine
Abbreviation	N. Engl. J. Med.
Discipline	Medicine
Editor	Eric J. Rubin
Publisher	Massachusetts Medical Society
Country	United States
History	1812–present
Frequency	Weekly
Openaccess	Delayed
Impact	176.079
Impact-year	2022
ISSN	0028-4793
EISSN	1533-4406
CODEN	NEJMAG

The New England Journal of Medicine is a weekly peer-reviewed medical journal published by the Massachusetts Medical Society. It is among the world's oldest, most prestigious, and most widely read medical publications, with a global readership of physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals. The journal is renowned for publishing major advances in biomedical research and for its influential editorial content on clinical practice and health policy.

History

The journal was founded in 1812 by John Collins Warren and James Jackson as the *New England Journal of Medicine and Surgery and the Collateral Branches of Science*. It underwent several name changes, including the *Boston Medical and Surgical Journal*, before adopting its current title in 1928. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1921 when it was purchased by the Massachusetts Medical Society, which has owned it since. Under the long editorial leadership of individuals like Franz J. Ingelfinger, who established its rigorous peer-review standards, the publication evolved from a regional periodical into an international authority. Its coverage of seminal events, such as the first report on AIDS in 1981 and the Framingham Heart Study, cemented its role in documenting medical history.

Content and features

Each weekly issue contains original research articles, review articles, editorials, perspectives, and correspondence. The research section prominently features randomized controlled trials, such as those that established standards of care for myocardial infarction and COVID-19. Regular features include clinical practice articles, images in clinical medicine, and case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Special sections often address topics in global health, medical ethics, and health care reform. The journal's content spans all major medical specialties, including cardiology, oncology, infectious disease, and genetics, providing a comprehensive overview of contemporary medical science.

Editorial process and impact

The editorial process is managed by a team of full-time physician-editors led by Eric J. Rubin, with support from an international editorial board. Manuscripts undergo a rigorous single-anonymized peer review process involving experts from institutions like the National Institutes of Health and Harvard Medical School. Its impact is quantified by a high impact factor, consistently ranking it at the top of general medical journals. The journal's editorials and published research frequently influence clinical guidelines set by bodies like the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization, and are cited in landmark decisions by the Food and Drug Administration.

Notable articles and contributions

The journal has published numerous landmark studies that have reshaped medical practice. These include the first description of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 1960, the initial report linking smoking to lung cancer in the 1950s, and the pivotal 1985 article on the use of streptokinase for acute coronary syndrome. More recently, it published early and definitive trials for SARS-CoV-2 treatments like remdesivir and Paxlovid. Its pages have also featured groundbreaking work on immunotherapy for cancer, the CRISPR gene-editing system, and the benefits of statins in primary prevention.

Business and access model

The journal is published by the Massachusetts Medical Society, a non-profit professional association. Its revenue derives from subscriptions, advertising, and reprint sales. While the primary content is behind a subscription paywall, it operates on a delayed open-access model, making all research articles freely available six months after publication. Selected content, including public health emergencies and major clinical trials, is often released immediately for free. The journal also offers various subscription tiers for individuals, institutions, and developing countries through initiatives like HINARI Programme.

Related publications and initiatives

The publisher produces several related publications, including the *NEJM Journal Watch*, which summarizes medical literature, and the *NEJM Evidence*. It has also expanded into digital and educational ventures, such as the *NEJM Knowledge+* learning platform and the *NEJM Catalyst* insights council. Through the *NEJM Group*, it collaborates with international partners like the *Chinese Medical Journal* and supports global health reporting. Its media arm, *NEJM Quick Take*, produces video summaries of key research for broader dissemination.

Category:Medical journals Category:Publications established in 1812 Category:Massachusetts Medical Society