A doctor association is a professional organization that works to promote high standards in medicine, science and ethics. It can also support its members and advocate for their patients. Physician associations can offer a range of benefits, including perks like discounts on continuing medical education and conferences, leadership opportunities, networking and friendships with other physicians, and resources for career advancement and research. They may also be a good place to find mentors or colleagues and develop skills that will help them in practice, such as public speaking and teaching.
Physician organizations are not for the faint of heart, and the decision to join one can be a big investment of time, money and energy. But they can be worth it for doctors at any stage of their careers, particularly if they want to make their voices heard on matters that affect the profession. As a physician, it is easy to feel invisible in the health care system, especially if you belong to an underrepresented group, such as women or minorities. Physician groups can provide you with credibility, direction and a team to work with, as well as the opportunity to develop skills such as public speaking and people management.
In the United States, there were five times as many doctors in 1818 as there are today, and rivalries among them were notoriously bloody. Drake and Dudley’s petty skirmish was typical, but from it arose the American Medical Association, which is now a powerhouse. Its origins are obscure, but its influence on the health of the nation is legendary.
The AMA was founded in 1847, and its mission is “to promote the science and art of medicine and the betterment of public health.” Despite this noble aim, racial tension and debate over the institution of slavery was at play. While the AMA did not explicitly disallow African Americans from membership, incidents at the 1870 and 1872 national meetings led to a policy that effectively barred them.
Throughout its history, the AMA has tackled a host of important issues, such as encouraging vaccination for polio and supporting legislation to fight smoking. More recently, it has fought against health plan “gag clauses,” resulting in their removal by 5 leading managed care companies and laws prohibiting them in 16 states.
In addition, the AMA has provided grants to promote diversity in the field of medicine. Its efforts have resulted in the creation of junior branches and awards for female students in medicine, the promotion of a symbiotic relationship between the medical schools and hospitals, and opportunities for women physicians to network and take on leadership roles. It has also supported a number of educational initiatives for young doctors, such as the development of an Oath of Professionalism for medical school graduates, and has established scholarships and fellowships. It also has a vast library of historical materials, including documents, photographs, films, books and memorabilia. These are available for use by AMA members for a nominal fee, as is its extensive collection of medical journals and videos.