
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM) stands as a premier peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and clinical practice in the fields of respiratory medicine and critical care. Published by the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the journal plays a crucial role in disseminating high-quality research and clinical insights related to pulmonary diseases, critical care, sleep medicine, and other associated specialties.
Focus Areas and Scope
AJRCCM covers a wide range of topics within the realms of respiratory health and intensive care. The journal regularly publishes research on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, lung cancer, and other pulmonary disorders. It also explores the intricacies of critical care medicine, including the management of acute respiratory failure, sepsis, ventilation strategies, and intensive care unit (ICU) protocols.
The journal's scope extends beyond clinical research. It also emphasizes cutting-edge basic science that explores the molecular, genetic, and cellular mechanisms underpinning respiratory diseases. Furthermore, AJRCCM often features studies related to the integration of advanced technology in respiratory care, such as innovations in diagnostic techniques, ventilatory support systems, and therapeutic interventions.
Impact on Clinical Practice
AJRCCM is highly regarded in the medical community due to its influence on clinical practice. By publishing rigorous, evidence-based studies, it helps healthcare professionals stay updated with the latest research findings and trends in respiratory and critical care. This allows clinicians to refine their treatment strategies, enhance patient care, and address evolving challenges in the management of respiratory and critical conditions.
The journal’s high-impact publications have been instrumental in shaping global respiratory care guidelines and protocols. Articles often provide valuable insights into best practices, outcomes measurement, and the cost-effectiveness of treatments. As such, AJRCCM remains an essential resource for pulmonologists, intensivists, respiratory therapists, and healthcare professionals in related fields.
Editorial Process and Reputation
The editorial board of AJRCCM comprises leading experts in the fields of pulmonology, respiratory medicine, and critical care. The journal follows a stringent peer-review process, ensuring that all published articles meet the highest scientific and ethical standards. This commitment to quality has helped the journal maintain its reputation as one of the top publications in its field.
AJRCCM and Education
In addition to its research articles, AJRCCM also publishes clinical reviews, editorials, and case studies, offering a rich source of educational content. These articles are designed to promote continued learning and support the professional development of clinicians. The journal’s educational focus aligns with the ATS’s mission to improve respiratory health worldwide through research, education, and advocacy.
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM) is a leading peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Thoracic Society (ATS). It is globally recognized as a top-tier resource in the fields of pulmonary medicine, critical care, and sleep medicine. Established with a mission to improve respiratory health, the journal publishes cutting-edge research that shapes clinical practice and advances medical knowledge.
AJRCCM publishes original research articles, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that focus on respiratory and critical care topics. The journal’s scope includes, but is not limited to, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung infections, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mechanical ventilation, and sepsis management. It also covers innovative topics such as genomic medicine, biomarkers, and novel therapeutic strategies.
With an emphasis on both clinical and translational research, AJRCCM bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient care. Its articles provide the latest insights that help clinicians diagnose, treat, and manage complex respiratory and critical illnesses effectively.
As one of the most cited and respected journals in respiratory medicine, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine serves as a vital resource for pulmonologists, intensivists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Its content directly influences clinical guidelines, hospital protocols, and global healthcare standards. Many of the studies published in AJRCCM have contributed to evidence-based practices and policy-making in healthcare systems worldwide.
The journal is also widely used in academic settings for teaching and research, making it an essential tool for medical students, residents, and fellows pursuing careers in pulmonary and critical care specialties.
AJRCCM maintains rigorous editorial standards and a comprehensive peer-review process. Its editorial board includes renowned experts and researchers in respiratory and critical care medicine. This ensures that all published content is scientifically sound, ethically responsible, and clinically relevant.
The journal's high impact factor reflects its influence and reputation in the medical community. It is indexed in major databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE, ensuring global visibility and accessibility.
In addition to research articles, AJRCCM offers editorials, clinical perspectives, commentaries, and case reports that enhance understanding and support professional development. These resources help practitioners stay current with evolving trends and best practices in respiratory care.
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM), published by the American Thoracic Society (ATS), is a leading peer-reviewed medical journal dedicated to publishing the most current and significant advancements in respiratory, pulmonary, and critical care medicine. Its comprehensive scope makes it a trusted resource for clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers worldwide. The journal aims to enhance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory diseases and critical illnesses by presenting groundbreaking research and clinical insights.
AJRCCM covers an extensive array of topics in pulmonary medicine, ranging from common respiratory conditions to rare and complex lung diseases. These include:
Asthma and allergic airway diseases
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Interstitial lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
Pulmonary hypertension
Lung infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis
Lung cancer and thoracic oncology
Environmental and occupational lung diseases
Research published in the journal often explores mechanisms of disease, diagnostic biomarkers, imaging techniques, and emerging therapies, helping to drive innovation in pulmonary care and improve patient outcomes.
The critical care medicine scope of AJRCCM includes all aspects of intensive care management and life-threatening conditions. Topics regularly addressed include:
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Sepsis and septic shock
Mechanical ventilation and weaning strategies
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Hemodynamic monitoring and resuscitation
ICU protocols, sedation, and delirium management
Ethics and end-of-life care in the ICU
AJRCCM serves as a key source of evidence-based practice for intensivists, critical care nurses, and ICU teams, ensuring the best standards of care for critically ill patients.
A distinctive feature of AJRCCM is its integration of translational research that bridges laboratory science with clinical application. The journal regularly features studies on:
Molecular biology and genetics of lung diseases
Immunology and inflammation
Cellular responses and tissue remodeling
Gene-environment interactions in respiratory health
This commitment to basic and translational science helps foster new therapeutic approaches and personalized medicine strategies in respiratory and critical care.
AJRCCM also includes significant contributions in the field of sleep medicine, particularly research related to:
Obstructive sleep apnea
Sleep-disordered breathing
Impact of sleep on respiratory and cardiovascular health
As sleep disorders become increasingly recognized for their role in chronic disease, AJRCCM plays an important role in advancing this evolving area of study.
Beyond clinical and laboratory research, AJRCCM addresses global respiratory health challenges, healthcare policy, and educational innovations. Articles often focus on disparities in care, global burden of disease, and strategies to improve access to respiratory care in low- and middle-income countries.