Illustrated Highlights

Timelines tracing key events in AMA history:

1847 to 1899
The founding and early years of the AMA were a time of dramatic change and growth for the medical profession.

1900 to 1939
AMA advocates for higher medical education training standards and creates the House of Delegates.

1940 to 1960
The AMA navigates through political and public health issues.

1961 to 1979
AMA addresses health insurance and public health concerns.

The 1980s
The AMA worked on the issues of AIDS and other health care delivery issues.

The 1990s
Advances in high-tech medicine brought with them ethical, financial and political pressures which the AMA worked to address.

The 2000s
In the 21st century the AMA continues to be the leading advocate for physicians and their patients, always working to improve America's health care system.

The 2010s
The debate over health system reform continues, and technology introduces new opportunities in reaching physicians and patients.