When doctors join an association, they become a part of a team with a common goal. They join forces with fellow professionals who share the same concerns and goals, whether they are concerned about patient safety or medical research. Doctor associations can offer their members valuable resources and opportunities that they otherwise may not have access to. Some of these benefits include professional development, networking and advocacy.

The American Medical Association (AMA) is the largest physician organization in the United States. The AMA claims to promote “the art and science of medicine for the benefit of the public health.” The AMA also represents physicians with a unified voice in courts and legislative bodies across the nation. It lobbies for reforms that remove obstacles that interfere with patient care.

Its membership includes both active and retired doctors and medical students. The AMA works to advance healthcare through education, research and community collaborations. Its leadership is dedicated, focused and experienced. The AAMC leads and serves the academic medicine community, transforming health for all people everywhere.

As early as 1818, there were many factors that led to the formation of physician associations. For one, the United States turned out five times as many doctors per capita as some European countries, and competition for patients was fierce. Some doctors beat each other bloody in duels to avoid competing for business. It took the passage of a law against discrimination in education and a second wave of feminism, combined with fears of a manpower shortage, to get more women to apply to medical school. By the end of the century, a majority of female medical students were in their class.

Medical associations sprung up to address these and other issues facing physicians. In addition to promoting medical knowledge and helping members maintain their skills, physician organizations provide career support, scholarships, grants and other financial assistance. Many also conduct advocacy work to improve healthcare, including supporting research into AIDS and advocating for laws protecting patient-physician confidentiality.

In recent years, some doctor groups have seen declining membership. A recent article in the journal Health Physics explains that member-owned medical societies face challenges from increasing competition and decreased employer support, as well as from declining demographics among older physicians. But that doesn’t mean they should give up, says the author of the article. It just means that these associations will have to find new ways to offer value to their members.

For example, specialty groups could expand their educational programs and offer more online opportunities to help their members stay current on the latest advances in their fields. Physician groups that focus on advocacy will have to work hard to convince their members that their views matter, and that the group’s actions are important to patients. And, a medical association’s leaders will have to be willing to take the heat if they make decisions that are not popular with the membership. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it may cost you some votes.