Doctor associations are groups of doctors who come together to form a powerful voice in medicine. They advocate for national health policies that improve the quality and availability of healthcare, promote healthy lifestyles, provide professional development opportunities and promote the scientific advancement of medicine. Many doctor associations also publish journals, host conferences and other events and work for their members in the areas of advocacy, education, research, ethics and public health.
The American Medical Association (AMA) unites physicians nationwide to work on the most important issues in the field of medicine and public health. AMA policy on these issues is decided through a democratic policy-making process in the AMA House of Delegates. The AMA also works for its members in the areas of education, research and public health through the Journal of the American Medical Association and its other publications and through the AMA’s Foundation. The AMA also operates a fellowship program and has created a database of residency programs, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system and United States Adopted Names Council to determine nonproprietary names for chemical compounds.
In 1845, a resolution to the New York Medical Society called for a national medical convention and established the American Medical Association (AMA). Founded in Philadelphia in 1847, the AMA was initially focused on scientific advancement, setting standards for medical education, establishing a code of ethics and improving public health. The AMA was also influential in promoting vaccination for polio, pushing to ban smoking in public places and fighting against health insurance “gag clauses” that restrict physicians from discussing patient information with their families or friends.
As women continued to enter medical schools, AMWA worked to address barriers that prevented their career advancement. By addressing these cultural and structural issues, AMWA helped to advance the career paths of women physicians. This included a career development initiative with scholarships and loans, leadership certification programs, webinars on negotiation strategies, mentoring and networking opportunities, and sponsoring a pamphlet for high school guidance counselors to help guide young women toward careers in medicine.
The Student National Medical Association is a physician organization whose mission is to empower future leaders and champions of diversity, promoting the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the global community through service and advocacy on behalf of underserved communities. SNMA provides leadership and mentorship to current minority medical students and works closely with local, state and federal organizations in developing strategies for community engagement, and advocating for the best health care for all patients, especially minority and underserved populations. SNMA is also an active partner with the American Medical Association’s Committee on Ethical Leadership in the World (CEJA), an international confederation of free national medical associations that is dedicated to preserving and strengthening the independent practice of medicine in all its forms. SNMA members have the opportunity to serve as CEJA members for seven-year terms. Those elected to this position are not eligible to hold other positions within the AMA during their term.