AMA Format Personal Communication Examples

Introduction

The American Medical Association (AMA) format is a widely used citation style in the medical and scientific fields. One of the unique aspects of this format is how it handles personal communications, such as interviews or private conversations. These citations do not appear in the reference list but are included in the text. Below are three diverse examples of how to properly cite personal communications in AMA format.

Example 1: Email Correspondence

Context: This example highlights an email exchange with a professional in the field, which provides insights applicable to a research paper.
In an ongoing research project about the effects of sleep on cognitive function, I reached out to Dr. Jane Smith, a leading sleep researcher, to gain her perspective on recent findings. I received a detailed response regarding her latest study.

In the text, this can be cited as follows:
Dr. Jane Smith, PhD, sleep researcher at the University of Sleep Science. Personal communication. January 15, 2023.

Notes:

• Ensure to use the recipient’s name, title, and institution for clarity.
• Specify the medium of communication (e.g., email, phone call) if relevant.

Example 2: Interview with an Expert

Context: This example documents an interview conducted with an expert for qualitative research.
During my investigation into the impacts of urban air pollution on respiratory health, I interviewed Dr. John Doe, an environmental scientist. His insights were pivotal in shaping the discussion section of my paper.

In the text, this can be cited as follows:
John Doe, PhD, environmental scientist. Personal interview. March 10, 2023.

Notes:

• When referencing an interview, include the date and type of communication.
• Highlight the significance of the expert’s input in your research to provide context.

Example 3: Conversation with a Practicing Clinician

Context: This example reflects a casual yet informative conversation with a clinician that influenced research direction.
While conducting research on mental health trends, I had an informal conversation with Dr. Emily Brown, a practicing psychiatrist. During our discussion, she mentioned emerging trends in patient demographics that were not widely reported in literature, leading to a change in my research focus.

In the text, this can be cited as follows:
Emily Brown, MD, psychiatrist at Central Health Clinic. Personal communication. April 5, 2023.

Notes:

• Personal communications can be used to indicate valuable insights that support your research.
• Be concise but thorough in your citation to maintain professionalism and clarity.

By following these examples of AMA format for personal communication, you can effectively integrate insights from personal exchanges into your scholarly work.