Medical association
Medical Association
A Medical Association (pronunciation: /ˈmɛdɪkəl əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən/) is a professional organization for health professionals. They are often based on specialty and are usually national, or regional, but can be international.
Etymology
The term "Medical Association" is derived from the Latin word 'medicus', meaning 'physician', and the English word 'association', which comes from the Old French 'associer' meaning 'to ally or connect'.
Definition
A Medical Association is a professional body or non-profit organization composed of members who are medical professionals. These associations are often responsible for the promotion of public health, the advancement of medical knowledge, setting and maintaining standards in medical practice, and advocating for the rights of physicians and patients.
Functions
Medical Associations perform a variety of functions, including:
- Continuing medical education: Many associations provide opportunities for their members to earn continuing education credits, which are often required for maintaining licensure.
- Advocacy: Medical Associations often advocate for the interests of their members and the health of the public at large.
- Standard setting: They often play a role in setting standards for medical practice and ethics.
- Research: Some associations conduct or fund research in their respective fields.
Examples
Examples of Medical Associations include the American Medical Association, the British Medical Association, and the World Medical Association.
Related Terms
- Professional Association
- Non-profit Organization
- Continuing Medical Education
- Advocacy
- Standard Setting
- Research
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