The Role Of Medical Associations In The Digital Health Era

The Digital Health Implementation Playbook, released by the AMA recently, marks an essential step in the expansion of the functions of medical associations as promoters of digital health and as guides for application of disruptive solutions in the 21st century. Here, we provide an overview of the development paths of medical associations from book clubs until advocacy networks – and draw up a potential way towards digitally savvy innovation hubs. From medical book clubs to knowledge societies Societies, associations or groups comprising of doctors, pharmacists or other representatives of the medical profession have been present since the 18th century, mainly the revolution of science and the dawn of modern medicine. John Coakley Lettsom, who founded the Medical Society of London in 1773, which invited both physicians, surgeons and apothecaries in its ranks, said that the association should be “A Society of medical practitioners of various ranks who would meet together to compare their observations and compare their thoughts mutually, taking note of new discoveries at home and abroad”. The noble task of sharing knowledge, exchanging thoughts and the results of the latest research was the primary task of medical societies in the 18th-19th century as the exchange of information was way more limited than today. That’s why in many cases, medical book clubs turned into organizations representing the medical profession. Education and setting the standards for excellence for...
Source: The Medical Futurist - Category: Information Technology Authors: Tags: Future of Medicine Healthcare Design Medical Professionals Policy Makers AMA digital health Education groups history history of medicine implementation medical association medical associations medical groups medical societies Source Type: blogs