The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has announced its prestigious Editorial Fellowship Program for 2026, inviting applications from early-career clinical and health services researchers interested in learning about the editorial and peer review processes that shape scientific communication. The fellowship provides participants with an immersive opportunity to gain firsthand experience in medical publishing, editorial decision-making, and manuscript evaluation alongside JAMA’s seasoned editorial team.

The program, designed to nurture future leaders in academic publishing, aims to help emerging researchers strengthen their understanding of the publication process while developing advanced skills in scientific writing and critical appraisal. Applications close on November 3, 2025.

Fellowship Structure and Duration

The JAMA Editorial Fellowship is structured to provide a comprehensive view of how a major medical journal operates. The program runs for a minimum of six months, with an option to extend participation up to one year. Fellows engage in editorial activities remotely, dedicating approximately six hours per week to the program.

Throughout the fellowship, each participant is paired with a dedicated JAMA editor who provides mentorship, feedback, and professional guidance. This one-on-one mentorship ensures that fellows gain not only theoretical understanding but also practical exposure to the nuanced decision-making that drives the peer review process.

In addition to weekly editorial duties, fellows attend virtual manuscript meetings and contribute to discussions on research design, scientific integrity, and clinical relevance. The program also includes an in-person, two-day meeting in Chicago in the spring of 2026, with travel expenses fully reimbursed. Although the fellowship is voluntary and unpaid, it is widely recognized as a unique professional development opportunity that offers substantial long-term career benefits.

Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes

By the conclusion of the program, JAMA Editorial Fellows are expected to possess a strong grasp of the core functions of editorial work in medical publishing. Participants gain a detailed understanding of how manuscripts are reviewed, revised, and ultimately selected for publication.

Key objectives of the fellowship include:

• Developing insight into JAMA’s editorial responsibilities and decision-making processes.
• Conducting peer reviews for at least four manuscripts under editorial supervision.
• Enhancing proficiency in evaluating research quality, design, and methodological rigor.
• Learning how to communicate complex medical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Contributing original written content to JAMA, such as Patient Pages, Editor’s Notes, MedNews features, or podcast scripts.

The fellowship emphasizes practical learning through active participation in JAMA’s editorial workflow, offering participants a deeper understanding of how evidence-based research is assessed and translated into impactful publications.

Eligibility and Ideal Candidate Profile

The program is open to applicants who hold doctoral-level qualifications—including M.D., Ph.D., D.O., or Pharm.D.—and who also have formal training in research-oriented disciplines such as public health, epidemiology, or health services (e.g., M.P.H. or M.S. degrees). Candidates must currently be enrolled in a university-based research fellowship or be within five years of their first faculty appointment.

Ideal applicants are those with a demonstrated interest in medical communication, scientific writing, or editorial leadership. They should be available from January to June 2026 to participate in weekly virtual editorial meetings, typically scheduled during early afternoon hours Eastern Standard Time (EST).

The program particularly encourages applications from individuals seeking to expand their understanding of academic publishing, peer review ethics, and the dissemination of medical knowledge.

Application Process and Submission Requirements

Applications for the JAMA Editorial Fellowship must be submitted by November 3, 2025. Interested candidates are required to provide:

• Full contact information.
• A concise statement (25 words) outlining their field of study or area of expertise.
• A short biography (250 words) highlighting academic background and professional achievements.
• A letter of interest (250 words) explaining their motivation for applying and how the fellowship aligns with their career goals.

Applicants are encouraged to clearly articulate how the fellowship will contribute to their development as researchers, editors, or medical communicators.

All applications must be submitted through the official online portal at https://lnkd.in/dXkCXAQa. Successful applicants will be notified in advance of the program’s start date in January 2026.

Building Capacity for Future Editorial Leaders

Since its inception, the JAMA Editorial Fellowship has provided an essential bridge between research and publication, preparing participants to become skilled evaluators of scientific work. Fellows gain unparalleled exposure to the standards and expectations that guide high-impact medical journals, along with mentorship from leading editors who shape the direction of global health discourse.

By fostering analytical thinking, editorial judgment, and communication excellence, the fellowship contributes to a broader goal: strengthening the global ecosystem of trustworthy, evidence-based medical literature. Graduates of the program often go on to serve as reviewers, editors, and thought leaders within academic and clinical institutions.

The 2026 fellowship promises to continue this tradition of excellence by supporting early-career professionals eager to contribute to the advancement of credible, high-quality medical publishing.

Apply now to join the JAMA Editorial Fellowship Program and take a decisive step toward shaping the future of academic medicine.