Understanding the AMA Format

The American Medical Association (AMA) format is a widely accepted citation style used primarily in the fields of medicine, health, and biological sciences. It provides a structured way to reference sources, ensuring clarity and consistency in academic writing. Below are three practical examples of the AMA format in action for online articles. Each example includes a clear title, context, and the actual formatting.

Example 1: Citing a Journal Article

In academic writing, especially in the medical field, citing peer-reviewed journal articles correctly is crucial for credibility. This example illustrates how to cite a journal article in AMA format, providing a clear reference for readers to locate the source.

Smith J, Doe A. The impact of telemedicine on patient outcomes. J Med Internet Res. 2021;23(4):e12345. doi:10.2196/12345.

In this citation:

• Author(s) are listed with last name followed by initials.
• The title of the article is in sentence case and italicized.
• The journal name is abbreviated and italicized.
• The year of publication, volume, issue, and article number are included, along with a DOI for direct access.

Notes:

• Ensure that the journal name is correctly abbreviated according to the AMA Manual of Style.
• Provide the DOI for articles when available, as it enhances accessibility.

Example 2: Citing a Website

Websites are a common source of information in research. Properly citing them in AMA format helps maintain the integrity of your work. This example demonstrates how to reference a website.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 vaccination. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html. Accessed October 1, 2023.

In this citation:

• The organization is listed as the author.
• The title of the webpage is in sentence case and not italicized.
• The URL is provided for direct access.
• The date of access is crucial for online resources, as content may change over time.

Notes:

• Always use the most current and relevant information available on the website.
• Check for author attribution; if there’s a personal author, use their name instead of the organization.

Example 3: Citing a Book

Books provide comprehensive insights into topics and can be invaluable resources for research. This example shows how to cite a book in AMA format, which is important for literature reviews or theoretical frameworks.

Brown T, Green L. Understanding Health Policy. 3rd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2020.

In this citation:

• Authors are listed with last names followed by initials.
• The book title is italicized and in title case.
• The edition is noted if it’s not the first.
• The place of publication, publisher, and year are included.

Notes:

• Ensure that you are referencing the most recent edition of the book if available.
• When citing multiple authors, list them as they appear on the title page, separating with commas and using ‘and’ for the last author.

These examples of examples of AMA format for an online article provide a solid foundation for students and researchers looking to enhance their citation skills. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your work is well-cited and credible.