American Medical Association

The American Medical Association was founded by Nathan Davis Smith at the Academy of Natural Sciences in 1847. There were two hundred and fifty delegates from about twenty eight states that had attended the founding meeting. Nathan Smith Davis was called the founder because of his resolution to the New York Medical Association which wanted a national medical convention. 

The founder Nathan Smith Davis

Ever since the creation of the AMA it has long supported the ideas for improved public health, scientific advancement, and the interactions between doctors and patients. The AMA has goals of advancing science, having standards for medical education and launching a program for medical ethics. They also feel that regardless of race and age, every citizen of the U.S. should have a fair and equal chance of medical care.

The founding of the AMA at the Academy of Natural Sciences

Nathan Smith Davis was only 30 when he founded the AMA. He received his medical training at the Medical College of Western New York and through multiple different apprenticeships with individual physicians. Mr. Davis had later been elected into the New York Medical Society and during his election he worked to improve medical education and license. Also during his his time serving at the NY Medical Society he brought up the resolution of  creating a national medical association. By mid civil war Davis had been elected as the president of the AMA and was named the first editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association. 

The outside of the Academy where the AMA was founded

The founding of the AMA was during the time of great change in modern medicine. There were many rapid advances in science as well as new approaches by physicians. One of the more prevalent techniques during this time was the use of anesthetics and antiseptic or aseptic operating areas. The AMA had recommended and pushed for using these agents in medicine. But there were not completely sure in using them in surgery or obstetrics yet. 

An operation room with

There were many documents that were created by the American Medical Association so that there could be organization and standards to the medical field. One of the most important document made by the AMA was the AMA Code of Medical Ethics. It was adopted by the AMA committee during the founding meeting and is basically the guidelines that all doctors need to follow in order for them to become professionals. It has been the authoritative guide on medical professionalism for more than 165 years. Through its creation it was the first nationwide standard for preliminary medical education and the degree of MD. 

The front of the Code of Medical Ethics by the AMA

Before the founding of the AMA there were not too many standards for anything in the medical area. Almost anybody could operate on you and they would not need any certification. There were more medical deaths before the AMA, and the patient doctor relationship was not very good. Many people were often scared of going to the doctor and would not go unless it was an absolute emergency. Even though there were family doctors it didn't mean that the doctor would be able to take care of the family, especially if the medical operation was in the house of the patients. 

"Our Founder, Nathan Smith Davis." Our Founder, Nathan Smith Davis. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2015.