British Medical Association

British Medical Association

British Medical Association logo

The British Medical Association (BMA) is a professional association and registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1832 and has since played a significant role in representing the interests of doctors and promoting the medical profession.

History

The BMA was established in 1832 by Sir Charles Hastings in Worcester as the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association. It was created to promote the medical and allied sciences and to maintain the honor and interests of the medical profession. In 1856, the association was renamed the British Medical Association.

British Medical Association Logo 1897

Throughout its history, the BMA has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives to improve public health and the working conditions of doctors. It has also been a key player in the development of medical ethics and education.

Structure and Governance

The BMA is governed by a council and a number of committees that oversee different aspects of its work. The council is responsible for setting the overall direction of the association, while the committees focus on specific areas such as ethics, public health, and medical education.

The association is divided into regional divisions and branches, which allow it to address local issues and represent doctors at a regional level. The BMA also has a number of special interest groups that focus on specific areas of medicine or issues affecting the profession.

Headquarters

BMA House

The headquarters of the BMA is located in BMA House, Tavistock Square, London. BMA House is a historic building that serves as the central hub for the association's activities. It hosts meetings, conferences, and events related to the medical profession.

Activities

The BMA engages in a wide range of activities to support its members and the medical profession. These include:

• Advocacy and Representation: The BMA represents doctors in negotiations with the government and other bodies, advocating for better working conditions, pay, and policies that benefit both doctors and patients.

• Publications: The BMA publishes a variety of materials, including the British Medical Journal (BMJ), which is one of the leading medical journals in the world.

• Education and Training: The association provides resources and support for medical education and training, helping doctors to continue their professional development throughout their careers.

• Ethics and Professional Standards: The BMA plays a key role in developing and promoting ethical standards in medicine, providing guidance on issues such as patient confidentiality, consent, and end-of-life care.

Related Pages

• General Medical Council
• Royal College of Physicians
• Medical ethics
• Public health

British Medical Association Escutcheon

See Also

• Healthcare in the United Kingdom
• Medical education in the United Kingdom
• History of medicine