1961 to 1979

1961

The American Medical Political Action Committee (AMPAC) is formed to represent patients' and physicians' interests in the political process

AMA recommends a nationwide vaccination using the Sabin oral vaccine against polio

1962

Dr. Edward Annis gives speech in Madison Square Garden, in response to President John F. Kennedy's speech on Medicare delivered in the same location

1964

AMA adopts a report on the hazards of cigarette smoking

1966

AMA publishes first edition of the 'Current Procedural Terminology' (CPT), a system of standardized terms for medical procedures used to facilitate documentation

1971

AMA publishes the first Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment

1972

AMA opens membership to students and residents

AMA launches war on smoking, urging the government to reduce and control the use of tobacco products and supporting legislation prohibiting the disbursement of samples of tobacco

Liaison Committee on Graduate Medical Education established to accredit residency programs

1977

AMA sponsors first meeting of the Resident Physicians Section

1978

AMA develops national policy endorsing hospice care to enable the terminally ill to die in a more homelike environment

AMA establishes the Medical Student Section