How a 19th-century medical bulletin became a global powerhouse of scientific research
In short: Established in 1883, JAMA has evolved from a membership perk for American physicians into one of the world's most influential medical journals. Today, it navigates the complex intersection of rigorous peer review, editorial independence, and the high-stakes pressures of modern digital discourse, maintaining its status as a top-tier scientific authority.
Founded by Nathan Smith Davis, JAMA originally functioned as a benefit of American Medical Association membership, resembling general journalism more than a modern research repository. For decades, the journal's primary challenge was simply filling its pages. It was not until the period between the 1910s and the mid-1920s—the so-called turndown era—that submission volume grew enough to allow for quality-based rejections. Routine, institutionalized peer review did not arrive until after World War II.
The journal’s modern operations are defined by a delicate balance between its publisher and its editorial staff. Following the controversial 1999 firing of editor-in-chief George D. Lundberg, the American Medical Association established a seven-member oversight committee to protect editorial freedom. This committee meets annually to evaluate leadership and ensure that article content remains the responsibility of the authors rather than the publisher. This independence is tested in the digital age, as seen in 2021 when a podcast episode regarding structural racism triggered a firestorm of criticism, leading to the resignation of both the Deputy Editor and the editor-in-chief, Howard Bauchner.
Today, JAMA is a high-volume gatekeeper for medical knowledge, accepting only 10% of the more than 11,500 manuscripts submitted annually. Its reach is vast, boasting over 29 million annual website visits and a 2025 impact factor of 65.4. While it has moved away from its long-standing tradition of featuring fine art on its covers—a practice discontinued in 2024—the journal remains a central venue for high-profile discourse, including the 2016 publication of an article by Barack Obama, the first academic paper ever written by a sitting U.S. president.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: JAMA
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