AMA Manual of Style - Stacy L. Christiansen, Cheryl Iverson 2020

Academic Degrees and Honors
Abbreviations

To the Editor.—It seems to me that at the time that there are articles being considered (ABC), dutifully edited (DE), and found good (FG) for publication, an editor may show hesitation to interfere judiciously (HIJ), perhaps because he thinks his knowledge lacking (KL) compared with that of eminent members of national organizations (MNO), and, therefore, for the sake of peace, quiet, and restraint (PQR), he sets the text in unaltered version (STUV), thus failing to act the wise xenogogue (WX) and meekly accepting the yoke of zeitgeist (YZ).

Luke Harris, MD Summit, New Jersey

My initial instinct was to deny that allegation (DTA). But when I left “xenogogue” (XaG) alone editorially, forcing the reader to trace the word etymologically, I realized that I must plead guilty (PG). The letter is not merely delightful but instructive: Dr Harris has the courtesy to spell out each word the first time used. Other authors: please take note!—ED.

JAMA. 1975;233(11):1166.

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase that is used in place of the full word or name (eg, Dr for doctor, US for United States, dB for decibel).

An acronym is a word formed from the first letter(s) of one (or more) of the words in a phrase (eg, ANCOVA for analysis of covariance). Acronyms are pronounced as words (including such “hybrids” as DMARD for disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, EQUATOR [Network] for Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research).

An initialism is an abbreviation formed from initial letters and pronounced either as a word (eg, PAHO for Pan American Health Organization) or as a set of consecutive initials (eg, WHO for World Health Organization).

Overuse of abbreviations can be confusing and ambiguous for readers, especially those whose first language is not English or those outside a specific specialty or discipline. However, abbreviations are acceptable to use when the original word or words are repeated numerous times, are long and cumbersome to read, or cause the prose to be awkward.

Instructions for authors published in medical and scientific journals may include guidelines on the use of abbreviations. Authors, editors, manuscript editors, and others involved in preparing manuscripts should use good judgment, flexibility, and common sense when considering the use of abbreviations. Abbreviations that some consider universally known may be obscure to others. Author-invented abbreviations should be avoided. See specific entries in this section and in chapter 14, Nomenclature, for further guidance on correct use of abbreviations.

Note: The expanded form of an abbreviation is given in lowercase letters, unless the expansion contains a proper noun, is a formal name, or begins a sentence (capitalize first word only).

Do not use periods with honorifics or abbreviations (exceptions: “No.” for “number” and “ St.” when it is part of a person’s name [see 13.6, Names and Titles of Persons], although no period is used with “St” in a city name [eg, St Louis, Missouri]).

13.1 Academic Degrees and Honors.

Academic degrees are abbreviated in bylines and in the text when used with the full name of a person (see 13.6, Names and Titles of Persons). In some circumstances, however, use of the abbreviation alone is acceptable (eg, Krystal Goderitch is a doctor of medicine and also holds a PhD in biochemistry) (see 9.5, Abbreviations).

Generally, follow author preference for order of academic degrees if there is more than one.

Note: Do not use both an honorific and an academic degree with a person’s name, for example, Claudia Achenbach, MD, PhD, or Dr Claudia Achenbach (not Dr Claudia Achenbach, MD, PhD).

Authors in the military, or retired from the military, should use their academic degrees rather than their military services and titles.

Authors should list their highest academic degree in the byline. Degrees below the master’s level (eg, BS, BA), fellowship designations, or honorary degrees are generally not listed in bylines or elsewhere (see 2.2.3, Academic Degrees). However, if a bachelor’s degree is the highest degree held, it may be listed. Exceptions are also made for specialized degrees, licenses, certifications, and credentials below the master’s level in medical and health-related fields (see the following list). Any unusual degrees should be verified with the author.