A doctor association is a professional organization or learned society developed to promote high standards in medical education, scientific research and clinical practice, as well as work to protect the interests of its physician members. There are many different doctor associations around the world. Many are affiliated with the World Medical Association.
The AMA is one of the most powerful doctor associations in the United States. It works to protect the rights of doctors and patients while providing comprehensive practice tools, services and support including legislative, legal, regulatory and economic advocacy. The AMA also serves as the national voice of America’s doctors, upholding the values of compassion, self-sacrifice and dedication ingrained in medicine throughout its long and illustrious history.
Founded in 1847, the AMA has helped create a healthier future for generations of patients. Its past has been marred by racial discrimination, but the AMA is working to overcome its history and continue to lead in transforming health care.
Today, the AMA works to advance a healthy future through medical education, research and community engagement. The AMA is committed to addressing issues that threaten the health and safety of America’s patients, physicians and medical students. The AMA has been at the forefront of health care reform efforts, including the development of the first polio vaccine and a national health insurance program. The AMA continues to advocate for the highest ethical standards in medicine and patient care, and provides extensive practice management resources such as a database of managed care contracts that can be used to negotiate with insurers.
Membership in a doctor association can provide physicians with access to many important benefits, such as professional liability insurance and representation of their interests on state and federal boards and committees. Most notably, physician membership in the AMA can help them get higher reimbursement rates from insurance companies and more negotiating power when dealing with health plan administrators. The AMA can also connect doctors with each other through networking events and online discussion forums.
Whether it is through its leadership certification programs, webinars on career advancement and negotiations or media training and mentorship, AMWA is focused on enabling the next generation of women leaders in medicine. Its gender equity task force advocates for equal pay, more women in leadership positions and elimination of gender stereotyping and harassment in the workplace. The AMWA also offers a CareerLink job board and many other resources for its members.