JAMA Editorial Policies and Artistic Evolution
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has undergone significant structural and aesthetic transformations to maintain its standing as a premier medical publication. From safeguarding the independence of its leadership to integrating the humanities into scientific discourse, the journal's history reflects a commitment to both professional integrity and intellectual breadth.
Ensuring Editorial Independence
A pivotal moment in the journal's governance occurred following the controversial dismissal of Editor-in-Chief George D. Lundberg in 1999. To prevent similar occurrences and protect editorial freedom—the ability of editors to make decisions without undue influence from publishers or external stakeholders—a new oversight mechanism was established.
A seven-member journal oversight committee was created specifically to evaluate the performance of the editor-in-chief and safeguard the independence of the editorial process. This committee has maintained a consistent presence, meeting at least once annually since its inception. Furthermore, current JAMA policy mandates that the content of articles be attributed directly to the authors rather than the publisher.
The Role of Art in Medical Publishing
For nearly five decades, JAMA sought to bridge the gap between the humanities and medicine. From 1964 to 2013, the journal featured images of artwork on its covers, accompanied by published essays that provided commentary on the pieces. According to George Lundberg, this initiative was intentionally designed to link the clinical world of medicine with the broader human experience found in the arts.
In 2013, a comprehensive format redesign altered this tradition. The artwork was moved from the cover to an inside page, and the cover was updated to feature a table of contents. This change was implemented to standardize the visual appearance of all journals within the JAMA Network. Eventually, the arts feature was discontinued entirely in 2024.
| Year/Period | Event/Change | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1964–2013 | Cover artwork and essays | Linking humanities and medicine |
| 1999 | Creation of oversight committee | Ensuring editorial independence |
| 2013 | Cover redesign | Standardization across JAMA Network |
| 2024 | Discontinuation of arts feature | End of the humanities feature |
Key Facts
- Editorial Oversight: A seven-member committee evaluates the editor-in-chief to ensure independence.
- Attribution: Article content is attributed to the authors, not the publisher.
- Humanities Integration: JAMA featured cover art and essays for 49 years (1964–2013).
- Network Standardization: The 2013 redesign aligned JAMA's look with other journals in the JAMA Network.
- Recent Changes: The arts feature was officially ended in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the journal oversight committee created?
The committee was established following the controversial firing of Editor-in-Chief George D. Lundberg in 1999 to ensure editorial freedom and provide a formal evaluation process for the editor-in-chief.
How often does the oversight committee meet?
Since its inception, the seven-member committee has met at least once per year.
Who is credited for the content of JAMA articles?
According to current policy, article content is attributed to the authors rather than the publisher.
What was the purpose of featuring artwork on the cover?
Former editor George Lundberg stated that the practice was intended to create a link between the humanities and the field of medicine.
Why was the cover art moved in 2013?
The art was moved to an inside page to allow for a table of contents on the cover and to standardize the appearance of all journals within the JAMA Network.
Is the arts feature still part of JAMA?
No, the arts feature was discontinued in 2024.