A Long History of Serving the Physicians Members of the Maine Medical Association
Beginning in 1853 with the charge of developing a Code of Ethics for physicians in Maine, the MMA has served as a platform for medical professionals in Maine. The organization’s early members created papers on topics ranging from diseases to practice specialties and advocated for structured medical education guidelines. The early members were also instrumental in advocating for and assisting with the creation of the Maine General Hospital, now Maine Medical Center in Portland, a Board of Health and the medical school once housed at Bowdoin College.
During the early 1900’s, the MMA established the Maine Medical Journal and its members helped form the County Medical Societies. Heading into 1950, three major issues were confronted by the MMA; Public Relations, the Cost of Medical Care and Rural Health.
Current activities of the MMA include:
- Coordinating the physician specialty societies, associations and committees
- Legislative advocacy for Maine physicians including electronic updates of timely news
- Support for Public Health initiatives throughout the state
- Managing the Down East Association of Physician Assistants
- Coordinate a Peer Review program
- Providing assistance with Practice Management and Quality Improvement issues
- Facilitating Educational Programs and providing CME accreditation
- Staffing the Coding Center
- Weekly updates via our electronic newsletter MMA Weekly Update
- Producing a bi-monthly Newspaper, Maine Medicine
- Overseeing the operation of the Medical Professionals Health Program
The MMA, which originated in Brunswick, Maine, is now presided over by its 160th president, Dr. David McDermott, an emergency room physician from Dover-Foxcroft. The current residence of the MMA is the Frank O Stred Building, named for the past Executive Vice President of 14 years. Another very notable past Executive Vice President is Dr. Daniel Hanley, who served for 24 years and is the founder of Maine Health Information Center and the Maine Medical Assessment Foundation. The current EVP is Gordon Smith, Esq. who served the MMA as general counsel for 14 years before assuming his current role in 1993.
Our Mission:
The Maine Medical Association, established in 1853, is a voluntary association of physicians united to promote the health of Maine citizens, the quality of medicine in Maine and physicians’ role as advocates for their patients.
View the Maine Medical Association Top 10 Legislative Successes Of The 123rd Maine Legislature - 2007-2008
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