Mindy Fain Will Lead American Journal of Medicine

The Tucson-based physician will take over as editor-in-chief in January 2027.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People

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Dr. Mindy Fain has been appointed as the incoming editor-in-chief of The American Journal of Medicine, beginning her tenure in January 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Mindy Fain has been appointed as the new editor-in-chief of The American Journal of Medicine. She will assume the role in January 2027 following the departure of long-time editor Joseph Alpert.

Why it matters

The transition marks a change in leadership for the influential publication, which serves as the official organ for the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine. The journal plays a central role in the dissemination of medical research to a broad network of U.S. physician departments.

The journal, first published in 1946, reaches 130,000 U.S. physicians and maintains ties to chairs of medicine at over 125 medical schools. Mindy Fain, who earned her medical degree in 1977, has contributed as a specialty editor since 2015.

The players

Mindy Fain

She is a physician and educator currently based at the University of Arizona who has served as a specialty editor for the journal since 2015.

Joseph Alpert

He is the outgoing editor-in-chief who has led the academic publication for the past 23 years.

Elsevier Health & Medical Sciences

This is a global information and analytics company specializing in scientific, technical, and medical content.

Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine

This organization represents the departments of internal medicine at medical schools and teaching hospitals throughout the United States.

The details

Elsevier Health & Medical Sciences announced the appointment as Joseph Alpert prepares to step down after a 23-year tenure. Fain, who is currently based at the University of Arizona in Tucson, will take over official editorial operations starting in early 2027.

Timeline

  1. The American Journal of Medicine was founded in 1946.

  2. Mindy Fain earned her medical degree in 1977.

  3. Fain began her work as a specialty editor for the publication in 2015.

  4. Joseph Alpert will conclude his 23-year tenure in December 2026.

  5. Mindy Fain will begin her role as editor-in-chief in January 2027.

Market Landscape

The journal serves as a primary hub for academic medicine departments across the United States. This leadership transition underscores the ongoing influence of major scientific publishers in maintaining professional standards across a fragmented network of over 125 medical schools.

The transition will not disrupt the journal's standard distribution or its availability to the physician network. Readers can expect continued access to the publication's research and clinical updates as the editorial change takes effect in early 2027.

The takeaway

The appointment of a long-time specialty editor to the top post signals a commitment to maintaining existing editorial standards and academic focus. Readers should anticipate a stable transition period as the journal shifts its long-standing leadership in 2027.

Further reading

Learn more about local leadership updates and transitions in People.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Knowledgespeak.