The AMA - American Medical Association (not to be confused with the Australian AMA), was formed in the late 1840’s with 250 doctors. It netted $24.4m last year, being the largest membership organisation for physicians in America, with an approximate total membership of 240,000. (Source: 2007 Annual Report, AMA)

How did they achieve such success and what is the future of the organisation? Natural News.com sheds some light on the leadership of George H. Simmons, head of the AMA for 25 years from the late 1890’s and who pioneered the way for revenue increases through a ’seal of approval’ process from pharmacos. After much scandal, he was forced to stand down and was replaced by Morris Fishbein, who practised the same kind of conduct, eventually leading to food and cigarette companies being a major driver for advertising revenue increases.

Although the AMA was not formed as part of the Government, its influence in history as authoritative in law making is astounding. A member of the AMA’s Council on Medical Education was involved with the evaluation of medical schools, after the release of the infamous Flexner Report. This Report criticised various forms of medicine (ie herbalists, homoeopathy etc) not deemed to be of medical standard; to alarming consequence.

A great overview of the history of herbal medicine and homoeopathy, as well as the rising influence of ‘conventional medicine’ (as it is now called), can be found in the great book that is Green Pharmacy.