2010 Annual Report

Medicine is always in motion. Science, technology, public policy, economics, legislation, politics and public opinion are just some of the forces constantly interacting, evolving and competing to influence the practice of medicine.

The American Medical Association (AMA) believes that now, more than ever, physicians must be engaged, determined and creative in moving medicine forward, capitalizing on the opportunities before us and ensuring the priority of quality patient care.

In 2010 the AMA and the hundreds of thousands of dedicated physicians and medical students it represents worked together to keep medicine moving in positive directions across many fronts. While physicians continued their vital work to help patients directly, the AMA led efforts to advance legislation, revolutionize medical education, improve technology, promote wellness and more. All of these efforts, working in concert, empowered physicians, regardless of practice or specialty—whether researcher, educator or practitioner—to improve the health of so many people.

Through our collective efforts in 2010—which extend through today and connect us to the future—we have made meaningful differences in the lives of physicians and their patients.

We are putting patient care first. The AMA works to enhance quality at every opportunity by developing clinical measures that help drive positive outcomes, by introducing resources that promote prevention and wellness, and by designing assessment tools that provide powerful insight into patient satisfaction and the effectiveness of communication in practice and hospital settings.

We are helping physicians practice medicine. Whether it’s protecting physicians’ rights, disseminating relevant and timely information, or developing technology to help physicians streamline their practices, the AMA’s innovative resources have positioned physicians to succeed in this dynamic and ever-changing profession.

We are bringing people together. The AMA has expanded and elevated the ongoing dialogue that helps physicians find strength, share ideas, connect with peers and expand learning.

In 2010 our association showed positive operating results for the 11th consecutive year. This positions us well in our efforts to support and guide the profession of medicine every step of the way. In 2011 and beyond, our efforts will focus on continuing our successes and finding new ways to bring value to our members, while living by and pursuing our mission of promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.

We owe that to you and to the millions of patients who depend on you for care. It has been and continues to be an honor to advocate for, work alongside of, and support the physicians and medical students of America.