American Medical Association (AMA)

American Medical Association
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Formation	1847
Type	Professional association
Headquarters	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Membership	240,000
Language	N/A
Leader title	N/A
Leader name	N/A
Website	www.ama-assn.org

The American Medical Association (AMA) is a professional association and lobbying group of physicians and medical students. Founded in 1847, the AMA is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the largest and most influential medical organizations in the United States, with a membership of approximately 240,000 as of 2023.

History

The AMA was established in 1847 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during a national convention of physicians. The founding of the AMA marked a significant step in the professionalization of medicine in the United States. The organization was created to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.

Throughout its history, the AMA has played a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policy and medical education in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the AMA was instrumental in the establishment of standards for medical education and the accreditation of medical schools through the Flexner Report of 1910.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the AMA is "to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health." The organization achieves this through a variety of activities, including:

• Advocacy: The AMA advocates for physicians and patients on issues such as healthcare reform, medical liability, and public health initiatives.
• Education: The AMA provides continuing medical education (CME) opportunities for physicians and medical students.
• Ethics: The AMA develops and disseminates ethical guidelines for the practice of medicine, including the AMA Code of Medical Ethics.
• Publications: The AMA publishes the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a leading peer-reviewed medical journal, along with several specialty journals.

Structure

The AMA is governed by a House of Delegates, which is composed of representatives from state and specialty medical societies. The House of Delegates meets annually to set policy for the organization. The AMA Board of Trustees is responsible for implementing these policies and managing the organization's affairs.

Membership

Membership in the AMA is open to physicians and medical students. The organization offers various membership categories, including active, affiliate, and student memberships. Members receive benefits such as access to AMA publications, discounts on CME courses, and representation in the House of Delegates.

Impact on Healthcare

The AMA has been a powerful force in American healthcare, influencing legislation and policy at both the state and federal levels. The organization has been involved in major healthcare debates, including the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and ongoing discussions about healthcare access and affordability.

Criticism and Controversies

The AMA has faced criticism over the years for its positions on various issues. Historically, the organization opposed the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, although it later supported these programs. The AMA has also been criticized for its stance on healthcare reform and its influence on medical practice and policy.

Also see

• Journal of the American Medical Association
• Flexner Report
• Medical ethics
• Healthcare reform in the United States