British Medical Association
The British Medical Association (BMA) is a registered trade union[1][2][3] for doctors in the United Kingdom. It does not regulate or certify doctors, a responsibility which lies with the General Medical Council. The BMA has a range of representative and scientific committees and is recognised by National Health Service (NHS) employers alongside the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association as one of two[4] national contract negotiators for doctors.
Abbreviation
BMA
9 July 1832
Tavistock Square, London, England
United Kingdom
190,366 (2023)
- Phillip Banfield (Chair)
- Emma Runswick (Deputy Chair)
The BMA's stated aim is "to promote the medical and allied sciences, and to maintain the honour and interests of the medical profession".[5]
Membership[edit]
As of July 2023 the BMA had 190,366 members.[12]
It is officially recognised by the British government and by the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration. The BMA shares national bargaining rights with the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA).
Members of the BMA have access to employment advice, covering subjects including contract checking, job planning, pay disputes and relationship issues.
Members also receive a subscription to The BMJ, and other associated resources.
Chairs of the BMA include the following.
Controversy[edit]
In 2019, the BMA faced criticism after two leading general practitioners blew the whistle on sexism and harassment in the organisation.[44] Following the independent Romney review which described the BMA as an "old boys club" that undervalued women, the BMA apologised to female doctors.[45]
Grants[edit]
The BMA makes grants to doctors for research and other reasons. Details of all the awards and grants offered by The BMA are available on their website.[47] However, the top three are listed here:
Claire Wand Fund
A charitable fund, administered by The BMA, that makes grants to fund the further education of medical practitioners predominantly engaged in general practice.
Humanitarian Fund
The BMA International Department runs the BMA Humanitarian Fund which offers grants of up to £3,000 for projects taking place in developing countries.[48]
BMA Research Grants
The BMA awards ten grants totalling £500,000 annually. All grants are for research in progress or prospective research and cover a diversity of research areas.[49]
