British Medical Association

The British Medical Association (BMA) is a professional association and registered trade union for doctors in the United Kingdom. The association does not regulate or certify doctors, a responsibility which lies with the General Medical Council. The association's headquarters are located in BMA House, Tavistock Square, London. Additionally, the Association has national offices in Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh, a European office in Brussels and a number of offices in English regions. The BMA has a range of representative and scientific committees and is recognised by National Health Service employers as sole contract negotiators for doctors.

Pronunciation

British Medical Association: /ˈbrɪtɪʃ mɛdɪkəl əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən/

Etymology

The term "British Medical Association" is derived from the English language. "British" refers to something of, from, or related to Great Britain, "Medical" pertains to the science or practice of medicine, and "Association" signifies a group of people organized for a joint purpose.

Related Terms

General Medical Council: The regulatory body for doctors in the UK.
Trade Union: An organization of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals such as protecting the integrity of its trade, improving safety standards, and attaining better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
National Health Service: The publicly funded healthcare system in the UK.