Canadian Medical Association

Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is a national, voluntary association of physicians and medical students in Canada. It was founded in 1867 and serves as the collective voice of the Canadian medical profession. The CMA's mission is to empower and care for patients, support physicians in their practice, and advocate for the highest standards of health and health care.

History[edit | edit source]

The Canadian Medical Association was established on October 2, 1867, in Quebec City. It was founded by 167 physicians and has grown to represent over 83,000 physicians and medical students across Canada. The CMA played a significant role in the development of health care in Canada, advocating for the establishment of Medicare and the Canada Health Act.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The CMA is governed by a Board of Directors composed of members from each province and territory. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the activities of the association. The CMA also has various committees and task forces that focus on specific areas of health care, such as public health, medical ethics, and health policy.

Advocacy[edit | edit source]

The CMA advocates on behalf of its members and the public on a wide range of health-related issues. It has been instrumental in advocating for improvements in health care services, patient safety, and the health of Canadians. The CMA also works to influence health policy and legislation at the federal, provincial, and territorial levels.

Publications[edit | edit source]

The CMA publishes the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), one of the most respected medical journals in the world. The CMAJ provides physicians and medical students with the latest research, reviews, and perspectives on a wide range of medical topics.

Membership[edit | edit source]

Membership in the CMA is open to all physicians and medical students in Canada. Members receive a range of benefits, including access to professional development resources, opportunities to influence health policy, and discounts on products and services.