Medical Journals Implementation Toolkit

June 2026

Medical journals occupy a unique position in the biomedical research ecosystem. They shape not only what enters the scientific record but how findings are framed, interpreted, and ultimately applied in clinical care and health policy. This position carries responsibility: journals can either reinforce harmful uses of race and ethnicity or they can implement approaches that ultimately promote health equity.

This Medical Journals Implementation Toolkit is one piece of the broader Encoding Equity initiative, which addresses appropriate use of race and ethnicity across the research-to-practice continuum. Journals are part of a connected system, working alongside funders, researchers, institutions, and professional societies. Changes in journal policy can drive change and reinforce changes happening elsewhere in the system. Although some medical journals may not regularly publish articles addressing race and ethnicity, all journals should be prepared for this important work.

How to use this tookit:

• Start wherever it makes sense for your journal. There is no required sequence.
• Identify your journal’s current state: Does it have any policy at all? Is the policy style-only, or does it address content? Do reviewers receive any guidance on evaluating the use of race and ethnicity?
• Choose one or two change ideas that are feasible given your resources and start there. Use the tiered resource indicators to find strategies matched to your capacity.
• Connect with the broader Encoding Equity community and peer journals for shared learning.