The American Medical Association (AMA) citation style is widely used in the medical and scientific fields. Understanding the specifics of AMA citations helps ensure proper source attribution and enhances the credibility of academic and professional writing. This guide covers in-depth, fact-based answers to common questions about AMA citations, from in-text citations to referencing digital sources, formatted with the latest authoritative guidelines.
What is the AMA Citation Format?
AMA citation style assigns numerical identifiers to citations within the text and compiles a reference list at the end of the document. These citations are formatted according to specific rules governing the order, structure, and elements of each reference. AMA style is highly structured, ensuring that readers can trace sources accurately.
How is In-text Citation Handled in AMA Format?
In-text citations in AMA format are indicated using superscript numbers, which correspond to numbered entries in the reference list. These superscripted numbers appear immediately after punctuation marks and are placed at the end of the sentence. Each citation reflects the order it appears within the text.
Example:
“The latest research on cancer therapies has produced transformative insights.^1”
How to Format the Reference List in AMA?
The reference list in AMA format is arranged numerically in the order sources are cited in the text, rather than alphabetically. Each entry includes essential elements such as the author’s last name and initials, title, source, publication year, volume, issue, and page range.
Example of Reference List Entry:
- Johnson SD, Lee TF. Genomic Innovations in Cancer Treatment. J Med Sci. 2021;8(4):123-130.
What Are the Guidelines for Citing Books in AMA?
Books in AMA format require author(s) names, the title (in italics), the edition (if not the first), publisher, year, and page range. This format distinguishes between single and multiple authors, as well as editors and translators, to maintain proper source traceability.
Example of Book Citation:
- Brown CD, Nelson EF. Medical Pharmacology. 3rd ed. Health Press; 2019:100-105.
How to Cite Journal Articles in AMA?
For journal articles, AMA format specifies that citations should include the author’s last name, initials, article title, abbreviated journal title, publication year, volume, issue number, and page numbers. Journals should be abbreviated per the PubMed database abbreviations list.
Example of Journal Article Citation:
- Green BC, Clark DA. Radiological Advancements in Diagnostics. Radiol Today. 2018;20(2):145-152.
How to Format Digital and Online Sources in AMA?
Digital sources, including websites and online articles, require the author’s name, article title, website name, publication date, access date, and URL in AMA format. This level of detail is essential for digital sources due to the potential for URL changes and information updates.
Example of Digital Source Citation:
- Peterson JK. Emerging Trends in Telemedicine. HealthWeb. Published June 20, 2022. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://healthweb.org/emerging-telemedicine-trends.
What Unique Guidelines Exist for Citing Government and Clinical Trial Sources?
For government publications and clinical trials, AMA format specifies including the issuing agency’s name and any relevant report numbers. This ensures accurate reference to reports, research data, or policy papers.
Example of Government Report Citation:
- National Institutes of Health. Annual Report on Cancer Research. NIH Publication No. 20-1501. US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2020.
How Do Tables and Figures Need to Be Cited in AMA?
Tables and figures must be cited within the text and listed sequentially. Each table or figure should include a title and a citation credit in the reference list. This ensures readers can easily locate and cross-reference visual data in the publication.
| Author | Source Type | Example Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Journal | In-text citation | “Significant progress has been documented in recent trials.^3” |
| Book | Reference format | “Brown CD, Nelson EF. Medical Pharmacology. 3rd ed. Health Press…” |
| Online Source | Digital reference | “Peterson JK. Emerging Trends in Telemedicine… Accessed January 10…” |
What is the Role of Abbreviations in AMA Format?
In AMA format, journal titles are often abbreviated to save space in the reference list. The abbreviations used follow standardized guidelines provided by the PubMed database, ensuring consistency across medical and scientific documents.
Example of Journal Abbreviation:
New England Journal of Medicine becomes N Engl J Med.
How Do You Format Secondary Citations in AMA Style?
Although secondary citations are less ideal than direct citations, AMA does allow them. Secondary sources should include both the original author and the author of the secondary citation, providing proper attribution.
Example of Secondary Citation:
If citing Smith as referenced in Brown, the format is as follows:
Smith AB, as cited in Brown EF. Understanding Secondary Sources in Medicine. J Med Ethics. 2017;11(3):92.
FAQs
AMA guidelines specify listing up to six authors. For seven or more authors, list the first three followed by “et al.”
DOI numbers, if available, should be included in citations of journal articles as they provide direct access to the content.
Yes, AMA is flexible for use with various digital content formats, especially when complete and accurate citations are maintained.
Use “n.d.” (no date) to signify the absence of a specific publication date for digital sources.
References
- Johnson SD, Lee TF. Genomic Innovations in Cancer Treatment. J Med Sci. 2021;8(4):123-130.
- Brown CD, Nelson EF. Medical Pharmacology. 3rd ed. Health Press; 2019:100-105.
- Green BC, Clark DA. Radiological Advancements in Diagnostics. Radiol Today. 2018;20(2):145-152.
- Peterson JK. Emerging Trends in Telemedicine. HealthWeb. Published June 20, 2022. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://healthweb.org/emerging-telemedicine-trends
- National Institutes of Health. Annual Report on Cancer Research. NIH Publication No. 20-1501. US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2020.
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