2011 Annual Report
No other physician group has more resources, expertise and opportunity to improve the future of health care in this country than the American Medical Association. This Annual Report reflects upon our 12th consecutive year of positive operating results and our 164 years of making a difference in medicine on behalf of our members, our profession and the patients of our nation’s health care system.
We are not being rhetorical when we ask, “How many times does the AMA touch physicians each day?” In answer to the question, the AMA Board of Trustees and senior leadership team invested time and thought in 2011 to sharpening the organization’s fundamental understanding of who we are, what we do and how we can best help physicians in the every day practice of medicine.
While some would define the AMA as the nation’s largest physician member organization, this definition fails to capture the essence of the AMA. Only by bringing into focus the many efforts and initiatives in which the AMA is involved can we discover the full impact of the AMA—made possible through its strong foundation. That foundation is the sum of many parts, an equation that includes our House of Delegates, our members, advocacy, research and education, and practice tools.
In our 2011 Annual Report you may find surprising answers to how many times the AMA touches the lives of physicians and, by extension, patients. You also will learn how the elements of our equation sustain our organization and how our footprint across all of medicine is unequaled.
We know our AMA has a robust House of Delegates, a solid base of physician members, a thriving advocacy influence, the most revered journals and resources, and respected practice tools. It is this powerful combination of resources, expertise and opportunity that positions the AMA to:
- Be the leader in shaping the future of health care and physician practice in the nation
- Be a courageous professional society that will have significant and positive impact on the health care environment
- Make a real difference in reshaping our nation’s health care system in ways that enhance physician and patient satisfaction
While we embrace this opportunity with optimism and a profound sense of purpose, we know that we do not take these challenges on alone. We trust that this Annual Report will pique your interest in the AMA and compel you to find out more about our mission and how you can get involved.
Thank you for being a part of the AMA equation and for your personal commitment to improving the future of health care in this country.
Robert M. Wah, MD
Chair
Board of Trustees
Mary Ann McCaffree, MD
Finance Committee Chair
Board of Trustees
James L. Madara, MD
Executive Vice President, CEO
American Medical Association
