Citation Toolkit: AMA Style

Use superscript numerals to cite material, e.g.,  1 . The first reference used in a written document is listed as 1 in the reference list.

The superscript must be immediately next to the fact, concept, or quotation being cited.  If citing more than one reference at the same point, separate the numbers with commas and no spaces between. 

The superscript must be outside periods and commas, inside colons and semi-colons, and when more than 2 references are cited at a given place in the manuscript, use hyphens to join the first and last numbers of a closed series; use commas without space to separate other parts of a multiple citation.

Example In-text Citations

• This drug is used to treat hepatitis.1
• Storing latex at high heat may cause degradation,  2,3-5,7  but it is difficult to keep materials cool in a desert environment.
• Some physicians choose to store prescription pads in locked cabinets 8; others keep them in their coats at all times. 9
•  As reported previously,1,4-7,19,24

If a reference is used multiple times in one paper, use the same number throughout.

Using the author's names in-text: You may use author names in your text, as long as these mentions are accompanied by numbered citations. Use last names only.  For items with one or two authors, include both names. For items with 3 or more authors, include the first author's surname and then 'et al' or 'and colleagues'.

Examples

• Smith and Jones2  reported on the questionnaire.
• Hammersmith et al3 reported on the survey.

Source: Adapted from AMA: Citing Your Sources

You can use a tool called RefWorks to help manage your research and citations. Learn more in the Citing and Copyright module in the Library Classroom.

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The American Medical Association (AMA) style is often used by people in medical fields. Always check with your professor on what citation style they would like you to use.

When writing, document all information and ideas gained from outside sources. You do this to

• credit your sources and avoid plagiarism,
• support your arguments with information from experts in the field, and
• share source materials with readers.

Citation Format Print Resource

Author Last name, First Initial Middle Initial. Title in sentence case. Journal Title in Title Case. Year; volume(Issue#): PP-PP.

References are found at the end of a paper or book and are known as the “Reference List,” and each item should be listed in numerical order and should be single-spaced. References are numbered in consecutive order in the text, tables, or figures. 

Examples
1. Wheeler T, Watkins PJ. Cardic denervation in diabetes. BMJ. 1973;4:584-586.
2. O'Keefe M, Coat S. Consulting parents on childhood obesity and implications for medical student learning. J Paediatr Child Health. 2009;45(10),573-576.

Citation Format Electronic Resource

Online Journals

Author(s). Title. Journal Name [using National Library of Medicine abbreviations as mentioned above]. Year;vol(issue no.):inclusive pages. URL [provide the URL in this field; no need to use “URL:” preceding it]. Published [date]. Updated [date]. Accessed [date].

Example

1. Drake AJ, Smith A, Betts PR, et al. Type 2 diabetes in obese white children. Arch Dis Child. 2002;86(3), 207-208. http://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?v:project=nlm-main-website&query=Archives+of+disease+in+childhood. Accessed April 5, 2015.

Website

Author(s), if given (often, no authors are given). Title of the specific item cited (if none is given, use the name of the organization responsible for the site). Name of the website. URL [provide URL and verify that the link still works as close as possible to publication]. Published [date]. Updated [date]. Accessed [date].

Examples

1. Living With Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes.org. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/recently-diagnosed/living-with-type-1-diabetes.html. Published February 9, 2015. Accessed April 7, 2015.

2. Why Immunize? cdc.gov. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/why.htm. Updated September 23, 2014. Accessed April 7, 2015.

3. Yale University. ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/relesases/2015/01/1501733950. Published January 7, 2015. Accessed April 5, 2015.

Note: For more information on how to cite different types of resources, refer to the AMA Manual of Style or click here.

Source: Purdue OWL