Physicians

Some physicians may be members of the Doctors Council SEIU and the Union of American Physicians and Dentists.

Physicians are represented by a long list of organizations because the field of medicine involves so many specialties, regions, and issues. The American Medical Association (AMA) is the largest association of physicians—both M.D.s and D.O.s—and medical students in the United States. For students, AMA helps with finding financial aid, choosing a specialty, and understanding important issues such as medical ethics. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is a not-for-profit association representing 172 accredited medical schools in the United States and Canada, along with their students and residents. As a medical student, AAMC's Web site provides pertinent information.

For physicians with a D.O., also known as an osteopath, the American Osteopathic Association offers networking, advocacy, and educational opportunities. The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine accredits osteopathic medicine training programs.

Many more organizations exist, including those that are based on the state that the physician works in.