The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) is proud to launch the AMWA Premedical Research Journal (APRJ), a national platform for premedical students to publish their research, reflections, and ideas. This initiative creates space for emerging women in medicine to share scholarly work, gain publication experience, and amplify their voices in science and healthcare.

Each issue of the APRJ will highlight exceptional student work across medicine, public health, and biomedical science, with the goal of empowering the next generation of physician-leaders.

What You Can Submit

Premedical students can choose from four main submission categories:

  • Original Research: Laboratory, clinical, or social science studies
  • Literature Review: Critical syntheses of existing research
  • Case Study / Clinical Reflection: analysis of a unique patient case, shadowing reflection, or public health observation (must be HIPAA compliant)
  • Commentary / Perspective: Thoughtful discussions on ethics, leadership, or women’s health

Each submission begins with a 2,000-character abstract and, if accepted, is followed by a full manuscript (up to 3,000 words). Faculty or graduate co-authors are welcome but not required and the first author must be a national AMWA member.

Key Dates for the Spring 2026 Issue

  • Abstracts open: November 1, 2025
  • Abstract deadline: December 1, 2025
  • Decisions sent: January 5, 2026
  • Full manuscript due: February 5, 2026
  • Peer review: February 6 – March 6, 2026
  • Publication: Late March 2026

Top three papers will receive AMWA Research Excellence Certificates and be featured in the national newsletter.

Who’s Eligible

This journal is open to:

  • All premedical students, post-baccalaureate or master’s students, and growth year individuals planning to apply to medical school.
  • Students who are national AMWA members (you may join prior to publication).

How to Structure Your Abstract

When writing your abstract (max 2,000 characters including spaces), follow the format for your category:

  • Original Research: Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion
  • Literature Review: Topic, Context, Key Findings, Future Directions
  • Case Study / Reflection: Background, Case Summary, Discussion, Reflection
  • Commentary: Issue, Argument, Evidence, Conclusion

Your abstract should summarize what you studied, why it matters, and what you found. Avoid filler phrases and remember: clarity and purpose stand out most to reviewers.

Tips for Writing a Strong Submission

Here are some strategies to help your paper shine:

1. Start with your “why” ⎼ Explain the motivation behind your research/perspective. Reviewers value originality, purpose, and want to how your work contributes to a broader issue.

2. Keep it focused ⎼ Choose one main message or question and build your argument or discussion around it. The most memorable papers are clear and cohesive.

3. Use evidence wisely – Support every claim with data or citations. Use APA format for references and avoid overly long quotations, paraphrase and interpret the evidence in your own words.

4. Tell a story ⎼ Even in scientific writing, storytelling matters. Highlight the journey, what inspired you, what surprised you, and what implications your findings hold for women in medicine or healthcare.

5. Seek feedback early ⎼ Have a mentor, professor, or peer review your draft before submission.

6. Proofread and format carefully ⎼ Use 12 pt Times New Roman, double-spacing, and consistent headings. A clean, professional layout helps reviewers focus on your content instead of formatting errors. Use a PDF to maintain your formatting.

How to Submit

Submissions open on November 1, 2025 through the AMWA National Portal.
Simply upload your abstract with author information, institutional affiliations, and contact email. Selected abstracts will be invited for full manuscript submission.

The AMWA Pre-Medical Research Journal is more than a publication, it’s an invitation for students to think critically, write boldly, and contribute meaningfully to the medical community. Whether you’re conducting lab research, reflecting on patient care, or exploring leadership in women’s health, this is your chance to publish your voice.

Submit to the AMWA Pre-Medical Research Journal and inspire the next generation of women in medicine.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to: [email protected]