Journal of Medical Humanities

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue in Medical Humanities

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Medical Humanities information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Journal of Medical Humanities, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1041-3545
PublisherSPRINGER
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1989 to 2024
AbbreviationJ MED HUMANIT / J. Med. Humanit.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressONE NEW YORK PLAZA, SUITE 4600 , NEW YORK, NY 10004, UNITED STATES

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Medical Humanities aims to integrate the arts and humanities into the understanding and practice of medicine, emphasizing the importance of narrative, cultural context, and interdisciplinary approaches to health and illness.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Health and Illness:
    The journal promotes research that combines insights from literature, philosophy, history, and the arts to enhance understanding of medical practice and patient care.
  2. Narrative Medicine and Patient Stories:
    A core focus is on narrative medicine, which emphasizes the importance of patient stories and experiences in shaping medical knowledge and practice.
  3. Cultural and Social Contexts of Health:
    Research exploring how cultural, social, and political contexts affect health, illness, and healthcare practices is a significant area of interest.
  4. Ethics and Medical Humanities:
    The journal publishes work addressing ethical issues in medicine through the lens of the humanities, fostering critical reflection on medical practices and policies.
  5. Health Equity and Social Justice:
    There is a consistent emphasis on health equity, examining how systemic inequalities impact health outcomes and the role of the humanities in advocating for social justice.
The Journal of Medical Humanities has recently witnessed the emergence of several innovative themes that reflect current societal challenges and the evolving nature of healthcare.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Health Narratives:
    A significant trend is the exploration of how the COVID-19 pandemic reshapes health narratives, emphasizing personal experiences and societal impacts, which are increasingly relevant in contemporary discourse.
  2. Creative Arts in Health and Wellbeing:
    There is a growing interest in the use of creative arts—such as poetry, visual art, and performance—as therapeutic tools, highlighting their role in enhancing mental health and patient care.
  3. The Role of Comics and Graphic Medicine:
    Research on comics and graphic medicine has gained traction, reflecting their potential to communicate complex health issues and patient experiences in accessible formats.
  4. Digital Narratives and Health:
    Emerging scholarship focuses on digital narratives and online platforms as new spaces for sharing health experiences, especially in the context of social media and virtual communities.
  5. Intersectionality in Health Discourse:
    There is an increasing emphasis on intersectionality, examining how various identities—such as race, gender, and disability—intersect to shape health experiences and access to care.

Declining or Waning

In recent years, certain themes within the Journal of Medical Humanities have seen a decline in prominence, signaling shifts in focus or reduced interest among contributors.
  1. Traditional Medical Histories:
    Papers focusing solely on traditional medical histories or biographical accounts of physicians have decreased, suggesting a move towards more dynamic and interdisciplinary analyses.
  2. Narrowly Defined Medical Ethics:
    While ethics remains a vital topic, there seems to be less emphasis on narrowly defined ethical dilemmas, with a preference for broader discussions that incorporate cultural and societal factors.
  3. Classic Literature Analysis:
    The analysis of classic literature in isolation from contemporary health issues appears to be waning, as the journal shifts towards literature that directly engages with current medical and social challenges.
  4. Reductionist Views of Illness:
    Research that approaches illness from a purely biomedical perspective, without considering the narrative and cultural dimensions, has seen a decline, reflecting a broader embrace of holistic understandings.
  5. Static Models of Patient Care:
    There is less focus on static models of patient care, as the journal increasingly advocates for adaptive, narrative-driven approaches to understand patient experiences.

Similar Journals

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF LAW & MEDICINE

Connecting Legal Frameworks with Medical Practices
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0098-8588Frequency: 4 issues/year

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF LAW & MEDICINE is a prestigious interdisciplinary journal published by Cambridge University Press that bridges the critical intersection of legal and medical scholarship. Since its inception in 1975, this journal has fostered scholarly dialogue surrounding complex legal issues affecting health care and medical ethics, significantly contributing to the fields of law and the social sciences. With its current impact factor highlights showcasing a Q2 ranking in Law and Q3 in Health (Social Science), along with a solid readership base, the journal appeals to researchers, legal professionals, and students alike, offering a platform for impactful research and case studies. Although it does not currently provide Open Access options, the journal continues to prioritize rigorous peer-reviewed content, ensuring that essential discussions on law and medicine remain accessible to its readership. By engaging with contemporary legal and medical issues, the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF LAW & MEDICINE plays a vital role in advancing knowledge and shaping practices within these dynamic fields.

Cogent Arts & Humanities

Empowering Global Voices in Arts and Humanities
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS ASISSN: 2331-1983Frequency: 1 issue/year

Cogent Arts & Humanities, published by Taylor & Francis AS, is a prominent Open Access journal that has been serving the arts and humanities community since its inception in 2014. With an impressive Scopus rank of 16 out of 173 in the field and a 2023 category quartile of Q2, it stands out as a significant platform for disseminating high-quality research. The journal covers a diverse range of topics within the arts and humanities, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation. Its commitment to accessibility makes cutting-edge research available to a global audience, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice in this vital field. With an impact factor that continues to grow, Cogent Arts & Humanities is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to exploring the complexities of human culture and creative expression.

Medical Journal of Bakirkoy

Empowering the Medical Community with Insightful Research.
Publisher: GALENOS PUBL HOUSEISSN: 1305-9319Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Medical Journal of Bakirkoy, published by GALENOS PUBL HOUSE in Turkey, serves as a pivotal platform for disseminating research and scholarly work in the field of Medicine. With an ISSN of 1305-9319 and an E-ISSN of 1305-9327, this journal has been actively contributing to the medical community since its inception in 2011 and has continued to evolve through 2024. The journal currently holds a Q4 category ranking in Medicine (miscellaneous), according to the 2023 metrics, and is positioned within the 13th percentile in the General Medicine category on Scopus, signifying its emerging status in the academic landscape. Though not open access, the Medical Journal of Bakirkoy offers vital insights and innovative research that enhance knowledge and practice in medicine, making it a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. By fostering a culture of inquiry and discussion, it plays a significant role in addressing contemporary medical challenges and advancing healthcare practices.

Anthropology & Medicine

Advancing Understanding Through Ethnographic Insight.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1364-8470Frequency: 3 issues/year

Anthropology & Medicine, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, represents a vital intersection of social sciences and health research, providing a platform for innovative scholarship in the field of anthropology and its implications for medicine. With an esteemed 2023 Scopus ranking placing it in the top tiers of anthropology and arts and humanities, this journal fosters critical dialogue between anthropological insights and medical practice, addressing pressing health issues through ethnographic lenses. The journal’s scope includes the exploration of cultural practices, health inequalities, and the social determinants of health, making it essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to understanding the complexities of human health in diverse contexts. Although not an open access publication, its rigorous academic standards and impactful research contributions underscore its importance within both anthropology and medical fields, as reflected in its impressive category quartiles and its convergence from 1997 to 2024. Engaging with this journal positions scholars at the forefront of discussions shaping the future of healthcare and anthropology.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS

Defining the Ethical Boundaries of Healthcare
Publisher: BMJ PUBLISHING GROUPISSN: 0306-6800Frequency: 12 issues/year

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS, published by the esteemed BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, is a leading journal that has been pivotal in advancing the discourse on ethical issues in healthcare since its inception in 1975. This UK-based journal, with an ISSN of 0306-6800 and an E-ISSN of 1473-4257, is well-regarded for its high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that delve into the complex moral dimensions surrounding medical practices, health policies, and social sciences. With a commendable impact, JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS has achieved Q1 quartile rankings across multiple categories, including Arts and Humanities and Health Policy in 2023, reflecting its significant influence and relevance in the field—ranked #23 of 552 in Arts and Humanities (Miscellaneous) with a 95th percentile, and #26 in Health Policy with a 91st percentile. Researchers, professionals, and students alike can benefit from the journal's commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of ethical considerations vital to the medical community, although it currently does not offer open access options. The journal's comprehensive examination of issues, ethics, and legal aspects continues to make it an essential resource for those dedicated to shaping the ethical landscape of healthcare.

MEDICAL HISTORY

Illuminating the Past, Shaping the Future of Medicine
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0025-7273Frequency: 4 issues/year

MEDICAL HISTORY is a prestigious journal published by Cambridge University Press, focusing on the interdisciplinary field of medical history and its implications on contemporary healthcare practices. With a commitment to providing rigorous research since its inception in 1957 and continuing through to 2024, this journal holds a significant position in academic discourse, exemplified by its Q1 ranking in History and respectable Q3 rankings in Medicine (miscellaneous) and Nursing (miscellaneous). Its scholarly contributions serve as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, facilitating a deeper understanding of the evolution of medical practices and their societal impacts. Although MEDICAL HISTORY operates under a traditional subscription model and does not utilize Open Access, it remains accessible through libraries and academic institutions, ensuring that its wealth of information fuels ongoing discussions in both historical and medical contexts. With robust Scopus rankings indicating a strong standing in the fields of Arts and Humanities as well as Medicine, this journal is essential for anyone seeking to explore the intricate relationship between history and health.

SSM-Qualitative Research in Health

Fostering interdisciplinary dialogue in health research.
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 2667-3215Frequency: 1 issue/year

SSM-Qualitative Research in Health, published by Elsevier, is an innovative open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of qualitative research within health and social sciences. With an ISSN of 2667-3215 and an E-ISSN of the same number, this journal has quickly established itself since its inception in 2021, achieving a commendable Q2 ranking in Health (Social Science) and a Q1 ranking in Social Sciences (Miscellaneous) by 2023. Located in the United Kingdom with its publishing office in Amsterdam, the journal aims to provide a platform for researchers, professionals, and students to explore and publish impactful qualitative studies that address the complexities of health issues through rich narrative and contextual understanding. With a focus on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation, SSM-Qualitative Research in Health is positioned as an essential resource for those seeking to deepen their insights and contribute meaningfully to the conversation surrounding health and social science research.

NARRATIVE INQUIRY

Unraveling the Threads of Human Experience Through Narrative
Publisher: JOHN BENJAMINS PUBLISHING COISSN: 1387-6740Frequency: 2 issues/year

NARRATIVE INQUIRY, published by John Benjamins Publishing Co, is a leading academic journal in the fields of education, history, literature, and social sciences, with an ISSN of 1387-6740 and E-ISSN 1569-9935. Based in the Netherlands, this journal showcases a rich tapestry of scholarly work that embraces the complexities of narrative methods and their implications across various disciplines. Since its inception in 1998 and continuing through 2024, NARRATIVE INQUIRY has consistently contributed to its fields, achieving an impressive Q1 ranking in both Literature and Literary Theory and History, highlighting its significance and impact within the academic community. With options for open access, it ensures that cutting-edge research is readily available to a global audience. The journal seeks to explore narrative as a research tool and to elucidate the narratives of social, educational, and historical phenomena, engaging scholars, students, and practitioners alike in a dialogue that advances understanding and innovation within these areas.

Acta Bioethica

Navigating the Complexities of Healthcare Ethics
Publisher: UNIV CHILE, CENTRO INTERDISCIPLINARIO ESTUDIOS BIOETICAISSN: 0717-5906Frequency: 2 issues/year

Acta Bioethica is a pivotal open access journal published by the Universidad de Chile's Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios Bioética, dedicated to the multidisciplinary exploration of bioethical issues in health policy and social sciences. Since its inception in 2000, the journal has fostered dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students, addressing the complexities of ethical practices in diverse health contexts. With an impressive commitment to accessibility, Acta Bioethica has become a vital resource for those engaged in understanding the ethics of healthcare in Latin America and beyond. Although currently ranked in the lower quartiles of Scopus in both health policy and social sciences, the journal is steadily gaining recognition for its unique contributions to bioethics. The journal accepts contributions in both English and Spanish, ensuring a wider reach and impact in the academic community. Located in Santiago, Chile, and active from 2007 to 2024, Acta Bioethica continues to be an essential platform for advancing research and discussions in the ever-evolving field of bioethics.

QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH

Innovating Methodologies for Health Understanding
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1049-7323Frequency: 14 issues/year

QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH is a pivotal journal published by SAGE Publications Inc, specializing in the dynamic field of qualitative research within public health and health services. With an ISSN of 1049-7323 and an E-ISSN of 1552-7557, this esteemed publication has secured a prominent position in academic discourse, as evidenced by its Q1 ranking in the 2023 category of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health and a Scopus rank of #100 out of 665, placing it in the 85th percentile. Since its inception in 1991, the journal has fostered innovative methodologies and diverse perspectives, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to understanding the complexity of health experiences and outcomes. Although it does not feature open access, QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH remains committed to advancing knowledge and scholarly dialogue, ensuring that significant contributions in qualitative methodologies are readily available to a global academic audience.