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AMA Format: Sample References

An introduction to AMA style for academic papers based on the AMA Manual of Style, 11th edition

AMA Style

AMA style is the format used by the American Medical Association. It is used for scholarly papers in health sciences.

Formats for Common Sources

Journal Article

Author(s). Article title.  Abbreviated Journal Name. Year;vol(issue):inclusive pages. doi (for online articles).

  1. Rainier S, Thomas D, Tokarza D, et al. Myofibrillogensis regulator 1 gene mutations cause paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis. Arch Neurol. 2004;61(7):1025-1029.
  2. Bartoli A, Gabrielli F, Alicandro T, Nascimbeni F, Andreone P. COVID-19 treatment options: a difficult journey between failed attempts and experimental drugs. Intern Emerg Med. 2021;16(2):281-308. doi:10.1007/s11739-020-02569-9

Notes:

  •  Abbreviated journal names are most easily found by searching the National Library of Medicine’s catalog at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog
  • For journal articles first published online, or published only online, insert Published online date before the doi: e.g. Published online March 3, 2017. doi:10abcd/1234567890
  • For an online journal article without a doi, follow the page number with the Accessed date and URL.

Newspaper Article:

1.   Wolfe W. State’s mail-order drug plan launched. Minneapolis Star Tribune. May 14, 2004:1B.

Note. For newspaper articles accessed online, follow the page number with the Accessed date and URL.

Book:

  1. Author(s). Book Title. Edition number (if second or above). Publisher; copyright year.
  2. Modlin J, Jekins P. Decision Analysis in Planning for a Polio Outbreak in the United States. Pediatric Academic Societies; 2004.

Online Book:

  1. Author(s). Book Title. Edition number (if second or above). Publisher; copyright year. Accessed date. URL
  2. Lunney JR, Foley KM, Smith TJ, Gelband H, eds. Describing Death in America: What We Need to Know. National Cancer Policy Board, Institute of Medicine; 2003. Accessed December 6, 2005. http://www.nap.edu/books/0309087252/html/

Chapter in a Book:

  1. Solensky R. Drug allergy: desensitization and treatment of reactions to antibiotics and aspirin. In: Lockey P, ed. Allergens and Allergen Immunotherapy. 33rd ed. Marcel Dekker; 2004:585-606.

Volumes and Editions:

  1. US Department of Health and Human Services. Understanding and Improving Health and Objectives for Improving Health. Vol 1. 2nd ed. US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2000.

Web Site: (Note: Include as much of the following information as is available)

  1. Author(s) (or, if no author is available, name of organization responsible for the site). Title of article. Name of Web site. Published date. Updated date. Accessed date. URL
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim guidance about avian influenza A (H5N1) for US citizens living abroad. Updated November 18, 2005. Accessed December 6, 2005. http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/ avian_flu_ig_americans_abraod-032405.htm
  3. Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis. Accessed November 16, 2020. http://arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis
  4. Everything you need to know about osteoarthritis. Healthline. Accessed November 16, 2020. http://healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis
  5. Panchal N, Kamal R, Orgera K, et al. The implications of COVID-19 for mental health and substance use. KFF. Accessed November 16, 2020. http://kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/

Social Media:

1.   JAMA Facebook page. Accessed November 2, 2019. https://www.facebook.com/JAMAJournal/

2.  Orellana J. Resources for references. AMA Style Insider blog. Posted October 25, 2019. Accessed November 2, 2019. https://amastyleinsider.com/2019/10/25/resources-for-references/

Secondary Citations and Quotations:

  1. Cauley JA, Lui L-Y, Ensrud KE, et al. Osteoporosis and fracture risk in women of different ethnic groups. JAMA. 2005;293(17):2102-2108. Cited by: Acheson LS. Bone Density and the risk of fractures: should treatment threshold vary by race [editorial]? JAMA. 2005;293(17):2151-2154.
  2. Kato S, Sherman PM. What is new related to Heliobacter pylori infection in children and teenagers? Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159(5):451-421. Quoted by: Prazar G. How many pediatricians does it take to change a practice? Or how to incorporate change into practice [editorial]. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159(5):500-502.