Q: What does AMA stand for in medical?
A: In a medical context, "AMA" most commonly stands for the American Medical Association. It is the largest professional association of physicians and medical students in the United States, dedicated to promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.
Q: What is the role of the American Medical Association?
A: The AMA plays several critical roles:
- National Advocacy: It lobbies Congress and regulatory agencies on issues critical to healthcare, including Medicare/Medicaid reform, public health initiatives, and physician payment models.
- Setting Standards: It establishes ethical guidelines for the medical profession through publications like the Code of Medical Ethics.
- Physician & Student Resources: It provides continuing medical education (CME), publishes the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and offers career support and insurance programs.
Q: Are there other medical meanings for "AMA"?
A: Yes, "AMA" has two other important, but distinct, medical meanings:
- Against Medical Advice: This is a critical administrative and legal term. It is used when a patient chooses to leave a hospital or discontinue treatment against the formal recommendation of their treating physician. Completing an "AMA discharge" involves specific documentation to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider.
- Australian Medical Association: This is the leading professional body for doctors and medical students in Australia, serving a similar role to the American Medical Association within its national context.
Q: How can I tell which meaning is being used?
A: Context is key.
- If the discussion is about U.S. health policy, physician advocacy, or medical publications, it refers to the American Medical Association.
- If the topic involves hospital procedures, patient discharge paperwork, or legal/risk management, it almost certainly refers to Against Medical Advice.
- If the source or subject matter is clearly related to Australian healthcare, it denotes the Australian Medical Association.
Q: Is the American Medical Association related to medical assistant certification?
A: No. The American Medical Association (AMA) is for physicians. The organization that certifies medical assistants is the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The similar acronyms can cause confusion, but they are entirely separate entities with different memberships and purposes.
For details on membership with the American Medical Association, you can refer to our previous FAQ: Is joining the AMA free?