Databases and Journals
In the boxes below are links to two types of resources: databases and journals. So what's the difference?
Databases
A database is a search tool that looks for resources (usually journal articles) from a large number of sources. It will pull in results from several different journals and rank them based on how relevant they are to your search terms. Some databases are broad and multidisciplinary, while others are more specialized and only focus on one subject area. The descriptions below will tell you what type of database you're using.
Journals
While databases cast a wide net across many publications, the links on the right will take you directly to a search of an individual journal. Sometimes, this can be a useful way to search if you know that a journal covers the exact area you're focusing on. Use the descriptions of the journals to determine if these links are right for you.
Featured Databases for Research
Databases for health and medicine
Read the descriptions to find out what sorts of articles, reviews, or reports are listed in each database.
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Scopus
Scopus offers broad coverage of scientific, technical, medical, and social sciences literature, including 100% Medline title coverage. -
ScienceDirect Journals
Science Direct is one of the largest collections (2 million articles and 40 million abstracts) of science, technology, and medical information. -
PubMed MEDLINE
PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, contains over 17 million citations from MEDLINE and other life science journals. Coverage goes back to the 1950s. PubMed also includes links to full-text articles and MeSH subject headings. -
Dynamed
A clinical reference tool created by physicians for physicians and other health care professionals for use at the point-of-care. -
CINAHL
A large research database for nursing and allied health literature. Lots of full text, cited reference lists, author affiliation info, evidence-based care sheets, and more.
Journal Search
Featured Journals for Research
Individual Medical Journals
This box will highlight some individual publications (journals) that are particularly well known in the medical field or useful to Phyisician Assistant education and development.
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JAMA: Journal of the American Medical AssociationJAMA is the flagship medical resource published by the American Medical Association. Click the link above to browse the current issue or read/search issues dating back to 1960.
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New England Journal of MedicineNew England Journal of Medicine is another highly-regarded journal of medical research. Note: Bethel's access includes both the articles and multimedia content. The link shown above will take you to the main page, where you can search or browse all content. See a list of specific issues by date here.
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Journal of Physician Assistant EducationThe official journal of the Physician Assistant Education Association, this publication publishes articles on the latest research in the education and instruction of Physician Assistants.
Bethel's access goes as far back as 2006. -
Nature Medicine"Nature Medicine is a monthly journal publishing original peer-reviewed research in all areas of medicine on the basis of its originality, timeliness, interdisciplinary interest and impact on improving human health" - Description from the publisher.
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Nature"Nature is a weekly international journal publishing the finest peer-reviewed research in all fields of science and technology on the basis of its originality, importance, interdisciplinary interest, timeliness, accessibility, elegance and surprising conclusions." - Description from the publisher.
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LancetThe Lancet is one of the world's most highly regarded medical journals. Each week it publishes an issue with new research.