About the Office of International Relations

The AMA is engaged in targeted areas of international activity under the guidance and direction of the Office of International Relations (OIR). 

Although the AMA's domestic focus is primary, the AMA increasingly addresses health care issues in a “global neighborhood.” The OIR:

• Provides a global perspective for the AMA and maintains the relationships with national medical associations and global health care organizations. 
• Builds relationships with counterpart national medical associations to leverage the AMA’s expertise, develop contacts, and open opportunities. 
• Works through the World Medical Association (WMA) to promote AMA’s objectives and policies.
• Assists in securing AMA representation at the World Health Organization’s annual World Health Assembly.
• Engages with other countries to learn how they structure their health care systems, and how they deal with common issues like care in rural areas, shortages of physicians, poverty, and disparities.

In addition, the OIR leverages its experts to engage with international influencers, including:

• AMA Councils (Council on Science and Public Health, Council on Medical Service, Council on Medical Education, Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs) and staff
• Specialty societies
• Medical education and licensure entities
• Human rights organizations
• The United Nations (UN)
• The World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO)
• The Department of State
• The Department of Defense
• The Department of Health and Human Services

Lujain Alqodmani, MD, of Kuwait is the WMA president and is the first Arab woman to hold this office.

The WMA Council met in Seoul, Rep. of Korea, April 18-20, 2024.

The Council issued a strongly worded statement against the oppressive Anti-Homosexuality laws in Uganda, reaffirming its commitment to equality and human rights.

WMA also issued a statement calling for verified investigations into alleged gross violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law in Israel and Gaza including attacks on healthcare staff and facilities and the misuse of those facilities for military purposes. Read the WMA statement.

The OIR is dedicated to serving as a champion of physicians in globalized health care.

Learn more about the AMA’s international involvement or join the AMA today.