Complete AMA Style Citation Guide: Rules & Examples
Ever had a paper rejected because your citations were a mess? It happens more than you'd think. The AMA citation style from the 11th edition manual is what most medical journals expect, and getting it wrong can torpedo even solid research.
The thing is, AMA citations aren't as complicated as they look. Those little superscript numbers? They're actually pretty smart, they connect to your reference list without cluttering up your sentences. Once you know where commas go and how to handle multiple sources, the whole system clicks into place. We'll walk you through everything so citation formatting never derails your work again.
Why Getting AMA Citations Right Actually Matters
Look, nobody gets excited about citation formatting. But here's what happens when you mess it up: journal editors notice. Professors notice. And suddenly, your brilliant research gets overshadowed by sloppy reference work.us
AMA format isn't just academic busy work. It's designed to help readers quickly verify your sources and follow your research trail. When you place a comma in the wrong spot or mess up a DOI, you're essentially telling your reader, "I don't really care about the details." That's not the impression you want to make in medical writing.
The good news? Once you understand the system, AMA citations become second nature. And when your references are spot-on, you come across as meticulous and trustworthy, exactly what you want in the medical field.
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In-Text Citation Rules: The Superscript System
Getting Started with Superscript Numbers
AMA uses those tiny superscript numbers you see floating above the text line. Each source gets its own number the first time you mention it, and that number stays with that source throughout your entire paper.
Here's a basic example:
Recent studies show promising results in early intervention.¹
The beauty of this system is that it doesn't interrupt your writing flow. Readers can easily spot the citation without getting distracted from your main argument.
Where to Put Those Superscript Numbers
This is where a lot of people mess up, but the rules are actually straightforward once you know them:
Outside periods and commas:
The trial showed significant improvement.² However, more research is needed.
Inside colons and semicolons:
Consider the following protocol:³ patients should fast for twelve hours.
Getting this right takes practice, but it's one of those details that separates amateur work from professional manuscripts.
Citing Multiple Sources at Once
Sometimes you need to back up a statement with several studies. AMA handles this elegantly:
For non-consecutive numbers: Use commas without spaces
Multiple trials¹,³,⁵ support this approach.
For consecutive numbers: Use a hyphen
Recent meta-analyses¹⁻⁴ confirm these findings.
The Golden Rule: Stick with Your Original Numbers
Here's something that catches a lot of writers off guard: once you assign a number to a source, that's its number forever. Don't give it a new number when you cite it again later. This keeps everything organized and prevents your reference list from turning into a mess.
Reference List Formatting: Structure with Precision
1. Number as You Go
Unlike other formats, AMA reference lists are ordered by the sequence in which sources appear, not alphabetically. The first source becomes 1, followed by the next as 2, and so on.
2. Spacing & Indentation for Maximum Readability
Single-space within each citation.
Double-space between each item.
Use a hanging indent (first line at margin, others indented 0.5 inches).
This helps your reference list stay clean and scannable.
3. Author Formatting: Last Name, Initials (No Periods!)
List each author as last name, then initials, with no periods or spaces between:
Smith JM, Rodriguez PL, Hassan K
For more than six authors, list the first three and add “et al.”:
Wang C, Jones S, Patel R, et al.
4. Capitalization Rules
Journal articles: Capitalize only the first word, proper nouns, and abbreviations.
Example: Advances in cancer research: A review.
Books and journal names: Capitalize all main words.
Example: Principles of Molecular Genetics
5. Journal Title Abbreviations
Journal names are abbreviated according to Index Medicus standards.
Do not italicize journal titles.
Example: J Am Med Assoc.
6. Including DOIs, URLs, and Electronic Access Dates
Always include a DOI if available.
If a DOI isn’t present and your source is online, cite the full URL and the access date.
Example: Accessed March 18, 2025.
<ProTip title="📚 Pro Tip:" description="Jenni auto-abbreviates journal titles and adds DOIs or URLs so you can focus on your content." />
Common AMA Citation Formats and Real-World Examples
Journal Articles: The Foundation of Medical Research
Journal articles form the backbone of medical literature, and getting their AMA format right is essential for credibility. The structure differs slightly between print and online sources, but both follow a predictable pattern that makes verification straightforward.
Print Journal:
Smith J, Doe A, Brown B, et al. Impact of new treatments on disease outcomes. J Med Res. 2020;45(3):123-130.
Online Journal with DOI:
Jones ML. Advances in stem cell therapy. Cell Biol Int. 2021;42(4):456-462. doi:10.1056/cbi.2021.42.4.456
Key Elements to Remember:
Author names come first, formatted as last name followed by initials
Article titles use sentence case (only first word and proper nouns capitalized)
Journal names are abbreviated according to NLM standards and italicized
Include volume, issue number in parentheses, and page ranges
DOIs are essential for online articles, never skip them
<ProTip title="📖 Pro Tip:" description="When citing journal articles, always check if the journal has a DOI even for print versions, many older articles now have retroactive DOIs!" />
Books & Editions
Books in AMA format require attention to edition details, publisher information, and proper city-state formatting. Unlike journal articles, book titles use title case capitalization, making them stand out in your reference list.
Single-author Book:
Johnson L. Medical Advances in Oncology. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Medical Press; 2018.
Multi-author Book:
Carson DM, Lee RY. Principles of Geriatric Medicine. Boston, MA: HealthPlus Publishers; 2016.
E-book with DOI:
Williams KT. Emergency Medicine Protocols. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Health Sciences Press; 2022. doi:10.1001/emed.2022.protocols
The edition information comes immediately after the title, and you'll notice how city and state are both included before the publisher name. This level of detail ensures readers can locate the exact version you referenced.
Chapters in Edited Books: Navigating Complex Citations
Edited books present a unique challenge because you're citing a specific chapter within a larger work. The format requires careful attention to distinguish between chapter authors and book editors.
Hamilton PR. Diagnosis and intervention. In: Watts AG, Carr JE, eds. Gastrointestinal Pathology: Essentials and Advances. 3rd ed. Chicago, IL: MedText Press; 2022:214-229.
Notice how "In:" signals the transition from chapter to book information, and "eds." clearly identifies the book editors. The page range at the end specifies exactly where readers can find the cited material.
Website Citations: Digital Sources Done Right
Web sources require the most detailed information because online content can change or disappear. Always capture publication dates, access dates, and complete URLs to ensure your citations remain verifiable.
American Cancer Society. Cancer Updates: Latest cancer news. Cancer.org. Published August 2025. Accessed September 1, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/cancer-updates.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine & Immunization Information for Health Care Providers. CDC.gov. Accessed September 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States. CDC.gov. Updated May 1, 2025. Accessed September 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html
Personal Communications and Unpublished Sources
Not every valuable source makes it into print or online publication. Personal communications, conference presentations, and unpublished data require special handling in AMA format.
These citations appear only in your text, never in your reference list:
(Dr. Martinez, oral communication, March 2024)
(unpublished data, Johnson Research Lab, February 2024)
(presented at: American Medical Association Annual Conference, June 2024)
<ProTip title="🔍 Pro Tip:" description="For websites or online sources, always include both the published and access dates whenever possible, and bookmark important pages in case they change!" />
Theses, Dissertations, and Academic Papers
Graduate-level research often provides cutting-edge insights that haven't yet reached journal publication. These sources follow a specific AMA format pattern.
Master's Thesis:
Rodriguez ML. Early intervention strategies in pediatric cardiology [master's thesis]. Boston, MA: Harvard University; 2023.
Doctoral Dissertation:
Chen WK. Molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer therapy [dissertation]. San Francisco, CA: University of California San Francisco; 2022.
Conference Abstracts and Presentations
Scientific conferences generate valuable preliminary findings that often precede full journal publication. These citations help establish priority and acknowledge ongoing research.
Conference Abstract:
Thompson JA, Lee SK. Novel approaches to immunotherapy delivery. Abstract presented at: International Conference on Cancer Research; May 15-18, 2024; Chicago, IL.
Poster Presentation:
Garcia RM, Patel VN, Kumar S. Biomarker identification in early-stage disease. Poster presented at: American Association for Clinical Research Annual Meeting; March 10, 2024; New York, NY.
Document Formatting & Presentation Standards
Font, Size, and Line Spacing: Building Professional Credibility
Your document's visual presentation communicates professionalism before readers engage with your content. AMA format specifies Times New Roman, 12pt size, and double-spaced lines throughout the body text. These aren't arbitrary choices, they ensure readability across different devices and printing conditions while maintaining the academic standard expected in medical publishing (AMA Manual of Style, 11th Edition).
Single-spacing appears only within individual reference list entries, creating visual separation between sources while keeping each citation compact and readable.
Margins, Indentation, and Pagination Standards
Document structure supports reader navigation and professional presentation. The AMA manual specifies several key formatting elements:
Margins: Set exactly 1-inch on all sides to ensure adequate white space
Paragraph Indentation: First line indented 0.5 inches for clear paragraph breaks
Page Numbering: Continuous numbering starting from the title page, positioned in the header, right-aligned
Section Breaks: New sections begin on fresh pages when appropriate
Reference List Heading and Organization
The "References" heading marks the transition from main content to supporting documentation. Position it prominently at the top of your reference section, use either bold formatting or standard text, but avoid underlining or italics which can appear unprofessional.
Your reference list becomes a roadmap for readers wanting to verify, expand upon, or critique your sources. Clear organization and consistent formatting demonstrate scholarly rigor.
Headers, Footers, and Running Heads
While not always required, some journals and institutions expect specific header information. Running heads typically include abbreviated titles (50 characters or fewer) and appear on every page except the title page. Check your target publication's guidelines, as requirements vary significantly between journals (University of Washington AMA Style Guide).
Standard Header Format:
Left side: Abbreviated title in ALL CAPS
Right side: Page number
Position: 0.5 inches from top of page
Some institutions prefer footers for author information or manuscript identifiers, but this is less common in AMA format submissions.
Using Citation Tools the Smart Way
Citation software like Zotero and Mendeley can save you tons of time, but they're not perfect. I've seen papers where these programs abbreviated "Journal of the American Medical Association" in ways that would make any professor cringe.
Think of these tools as helpful assistants, not magic solutions. They'll handle most of the work, but you still need to double-check:
Journal abbreviations match NLM standards
DOIs actually work when you click them
Author names stay the same throughout your paper
Volume and issue numbers are right
Quick Checks Before You Submit
Most citation disasters happen during those frantic final edits. You delete a paragraph with citation 5, but forget to renumber everything after it. Suddenly your reference list is a complete mess.
<ProTip title="✅ Pro Tip:" description="Create a citation checklist and run through it before final submission—most journal rejections happen due to formatting errors, not content quality!" />
Multiple Sources Made Simple
Medical research often means citing several studies at once, especially for big claims about treatments or disease rates. AMA format handles this without making your sentences look cluttered:
Supporting evidence: "Recent trials¹⁻⁵ show consistent improvement."
Non-consecutive sources: "Several teams⁶,⁸,¹⁰ reported similar findings."
Mixed results: "Some studies⁶,⁸ support intervention, others⁹,¹¹ suggest waiting."
Just be clear about what each group is doing—are they all backing up your point or showing disagreement?
Protecting Against Disappearing Sources
Online sources vanish without warning, leaving your citations pointing nowhere. This happens all the time with government reports, conference presentations, and organizational documents.
Smart researchers protect themselves by taking screenshots of important pages, using the Wayback Machine to find archived versions, and saving PDFs instead of just bookmarking links. Also write down how you found hard-to-locate sources, you'll thank yourself later.
Common Citation Mistakes to Avoid
Author name formatting causes more problems than any other citation element. Pick one style and stick with it throughout your entire paper. If you start with "Smith J" for one author, don't switch to "Jones, K.M." for another. Consistency matters more than you might think.
Watch out for these frequent problems:
Inconsistent author names: "Smith J" versus "Jones, K.M." in the same paper
Missing edition numbers: Especially important for medical textbooks that change a lot
Broken DOIs: Should be "doi:10.1001/jama.2024.1234" not just "10.1001/jama.2024.1234"
Print versus online confusion: Cite print versions even if you accessed them electronically
Wrong journal abbreviations: Use the official NLM journal abbreviations list not whatever seems right
Missing access dates: Always include when you last checked web sources, as emphasized in the AMA Manual of Style, 11th Edition
The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. And fixing them makes a huge difference in how professional your work looks.
Advanced AMA Citation Scenarios
When One Author Writes Multiple Papers
Sometimes the same researcher publishes several studies in one year. Good news: AMA makes this simple. You don't need to add letters like "2024a" or "2024b" like other styles do. Just list them in the order they were published, and each gets its own number.
Citing Something You Found in Another Paper
Ever read about a study in someone else's paper but couldn't find the original? It happens. AMA lets you cite it, but you need to be clear about where you found it.
Here's how it looks:
Original study mentioned in: Johnson ML, Smith KR. Recent advances in cardiac surgery. Heart Surg Today. 2024;15(2):45-52.
In your text: "As reported by Wilson et al (as cited in Johnson and Smith¹)..."
<ProTip title="🔍 Pro Tip:" description="Always try to find the original source first. Secondary citations should be your last resort." />
Government and Legal Documents
Medical research often involves health laws and government rules. These documents have their own formatting rules:
Government Rules: Department of Health and Human Services. HIPAA Privacy Rule. 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164. Federal Register. December 28, 2000.
Congressional Testimony: Martinez RJ. Healthcare workforce shortages: testimony before the House Committee on Health. 117th Congress, 2nd Session; March 15, 2022.
Foreign Language Sources
Research happens worldwide, so you might need to cite papers in other languages. AMA handles this by keeping the original title in brackets and noting the language:
Non-English Paper: Nakamura T, Sato H, Yamada K. [Innovative surgical techniques in minimally invasive procedures]. Jpn J Surg. 2023;78(4):234-241. Japanese.
World Health Organization. Mortality and global health estimates. WHO Global Health Observatory. Updated regularly; accessed September 1, 2025. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/mortality-and-global-health-estimates
The key is staying consistent. Whether you're citing brand-new research or old medical texts, following AMA rules shows you're serious about your work.
Transform Your Writing with Perfect AMA Citations
Getting AMA citations right shows respect for your field and readers. When your superscript numbers are placed correctly and your reference list flows smoothly, people notice. They see someone who pays attention to details and takes their work seriously. Perfect citations are your professional signature, telling editors and colleagues you're trustworthy.
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The best part? Once AMA style becomes second nature, you'll place superscript numbers automatically. Your reference lists will look professional every time, and you'll never stress about formatting again.