Medicine: Journals & Databases
Looking for articles on your topic?
The quickest way to find articles on a specific topic is by searching a relevant database. The University Library subscribes to hundreds of databases, but we recommend the ones listed below as a starting point for students and researchers. Some provide only citations for articles, so look for the Article Link button, or try one of the methods described to access a copy.
Key biomedical subject headings databases
These databases can use Subject Headings (e.g. MeSH, Emtree) to assist your searching. They can also be searched with keywords. (Hover over the title to see information about the resource.)
Database tutorials
These tutorials are designed to provide a basic introduction to searching the databases.
- Anatomy of a Journal Reference
- Databases VS Search Engines
- Developing a Search Strategy
- Subject Headings VS Keywords
- PubMed
- Medline
- CINAHL
- Embase
- Global Health
- Google Scholar
- Informit
- Proquest Central
- PsycINFO
- Scopus
- Web of Science
- Library Search | Ketu (for Health Science)
- Library Search | Ketu (for Science)
- SIFT Evaluating Information
- Rauru Whakarare Evaluation Framework
- TRAAP Test
Keyword-only citation databases
These databases can only be searched using keywords (author words).
If you find a great article on your topic, you can use these citation databases to track down articles that cite that particular article. (Hover over the title to see information about the resource.)
Other biomedical resources
- Acland's Video Atlas of Human Anatomy This link opens in a new window
Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
This is a list of key drugs/pharmaceutical resources available through the University. There is a separate Pharmacy subject guide with a lot more information relating to the study of Pharmacy at the University, and Prescribing information in the EBP Useful sites pages of this guide.
See the box below for some key resources for pharmaceuticals.
Key databases for drug information
A range of databases to find quality drug information:
- DynaMed This link opens in a new window
- BMJ Best Practice This link opens in a new windowA clinical decision support tool for health professionals that provides access to the latest research evidence, guidelines and expert opinion in a single source. BMJ Best Practice includes differential diagnosis tables, treatment algorithms, videos of common clinical procedures, integrated evidence from Cochrane Clinical Answers, over 250 medical calculators and more.
- Micromedex This link opens in a new windowComprehensive monographs, evidence-based information on 2,300+ drugs. Covers FDA-approved, non-US, OTC, and investigational drugs. Searchable by generic name, brand name, adverse effect, or indications. Includes dosing tools and calculators.
- Embase This link opens in a new windowA major biomedical and pharmaceutical database indexing over 3,500 international journals.
- Merck Index Online This link opens in a new windowSource of information on chemicals, drugs and biologicals.
- USP-NF Online This link opens in a new windowFirst time users need to create a USP Access Point account and request the Subscription Key - please use the registration link in the entry below. USP–NF is a combination of two compendia, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the National Formulary (NF). Once on the platform login using the link in top right of screen.
- USP-NF Online - Registration This link opens in a new windowFirst time users of USP-NF must register with their @student.otago.ac.nz or @otago.ac.nz email address, using this link. Please email eresources.library@otago.ac.nz to request the Subscription Key.
Key Clinical Resources
These are just some key databases relevant to searching for clinical information. (Hover over the title to see information about the resource.)
- BMJ Best Practice This link opens in a new window
- DynaMed This link opens in a new window
- AccessMedicine This link opens in a new window
- AccessMedicine: John Murtagh's General Practice Collection This link opens in a new windowJohn Murtagh’s General Practice Collection comprises a range of resources on general practice and primary health care, including Murtagh’s General Practice textbook (8th ed.).
- AccessMedicine: Clinical Sports Medicine Collection This link opens in a new window
- AccessNeurology This link opens in a new window
- B-QuiCK (BPAC Quick Clinical Knowledge) This link opens in a new window
- ClinicalKey This link opens in a new window
UpToDate
The University does not subscribe to UpToDate. Trainee Interns (6th year medical students) will be able to access UpToDate through the hospital network.
Covid Information
What is Article Link?
Article Link links article databases to the Library's e-journal collections. It tells you whether (and where) the full-text of an article is available.
You may see Article Link represented as: 
or Otago Article Link.
Request a FREE copy with the Interloans service
If you need an item that is not available via a database that the University of Otago subscribes to, or in print form in the library, request a free copy using the Interloan service:
- Interloans serviceThe Interloans service enables library users to search for items, create requests for items not held in the University of Otago Library, and monitor the progress of those requests.