World Medical Association

World Medical Association (WMA) is an international and independent confederation of medical associations from around the globe. It was founded on September 18, 1947, in the wake of World War II, with the aim of ensuring the independence of physicians and setting high standards for ethical behavior and care in the medical profession. The WMA provides a forum for its member associations to communicate freely, cooperate actively, and achieve consensus on high standards of medical ethics and professional competence at an international level.

History

The inception of the World Medical Association was motivated by the atrocities committed during World War II, including experiments on human beings. Physicians from several countries felt the need to create an organization that would safeguard the ethical integrity of the medical profession. The first General Assembly took place in Paris, France, where the WMA was formally established.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the WMA are to:

• Promote the highest possible standards of ethical behavior and care by physicians.
• Facilitate collaboration among its member associations.
• Advocate for the freedom of physicians worldwide.
• Support the rights of patients and the duty of physicians to uphold the highest ethical standards.

Key Documents

The WMA is responsible for several foundational documents in medical ethics, including:

• Declaration of Geneva: Adopted in 1948, it is a modern-day Hippocratic Oath, emphasizing a physician's ethical duties.
• Declaration of Helsinki: First adopted in 1964, it provides guidelines for conducting medical research involving human subjects.
• International Code of Medical Ethics: Outlines the duties of physicians in relation to patients, colleagues, and society.

Membership

Membership in the WMA is open to national medical associations that represent physicians. The association boasts a diverse membership, with over 100 national medical associations from across the globe.

Meetings

The WMA holds an annual General Assembly, which is its supreme decision-making body. It also conducts various other meetings, including the Council sessions and the annual Conference on Medical Ethics.

Controversies

The WMA has faced controversies, particularly regarding its stance on issues such as euthanasia and the death penalty. Its declarations and policies often spark debate within the global medical community.

Impact

The WMA has played a crucial role in shaping the ethical landscape of the medical profession worldwide. Its declarations and policies serve as a reference point for national medical associations and health care professionals.

See Also

• Medical Ethics
• Patient Rights
• Physician
• Health Care