American Medical Association

The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) is a professional organization established in 1940 to enhance the quality of medical writing and editing. It boasts over 4,000 members globally, including a diverse range of professionals involved in medical communication, such as editors, writers, researchers, and publishers. AMWA provides resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs, including a certificate program and an annual conference.

The association's history dates back to the Mississippi Valley Medical Editors' Association, which was absorbed by AMWA in 1948. Initially, membership was restricted to physicians, but it later expanded to include librarians, health educators, and other personnel involved in medical communication. AMWA also maintains a code of ethics to guide its members and publishes the AMWA Journal as its official publication. The organization offers various awards recognizing contributions to medical communication and has numerous regional chapters across the United States and Canada.

The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) serves as a professional body for individuals engaged in medical communication, with a membership exceeding 4,000 individuals across the United States, Canada, and numerous other countries. Its members encompass a broad spectrum of professionals, including editors, writers, researchers, pharmaceutical industry professionals, public relations specialists, and publishers. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in medical communication, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. AMWA is governed by an elected board of directors and maintains regional chapters to facilitate local networking and professional development opportunities.

The origins of AMWA can be traced back to the Mississippi Valley Medical Editors' Association, founded in 1940 by physicians aiming to improve medical writing standards. This precursor organization was later absorbed by the newly formed AMWA in 1948. Initially, the association's constitution limited membership to physicians. However, over time, it evolved to include other professionals such as medical librarians, health educators, and individuals working in hospitals, foundations, and educational institutions who were involved in medical writing or publishing. Notable figures like Morris Fishbein, M.D., played a role in its early development, and the association saw its first non-doctoral president elected in 1976 and its first woman president in 1977.

AMWA offers a comprehensive continuing education program designed for professionals in medical and scientific communication. This program includes numerous educational sessions at its annual conference and an online learning platform with various resources. The association publishes the AMWA Journal, its official quarterly publication, which addresses knowledge, skills, and opportunities in global medical communication. AMWA also publishes Essential Skills workbooks for self-study, contributing to its certificate program. Furthermore, AMWA recognizes outstanding contributions through several awards, such as the John P. McGovern Award and the Harold Swanberg Distinguished Service Award, celebrating excellence in the field.

The AMWA Code of Ethics outlines the principles guiding medical communicators in creating materials across various media, emphasizing their role in informing and educating audiences. First published in 1973, the code has undergone revisions to reflect the evolving landscape of medical communication. AMWA has also been involved in defining the role of professional medical writers, collaborating with international organizations on statements regarding ethical practices in research disclosure. This includes addressing issues such as guest authorship and ghostwriting, particularly in the context of pharmaceutical-funded research, aiming to ensure accuracy and timeliness in the dissemination of scientific findings.