Florida Medical Association Marks Record Membership Growth
With a membership increase of more than 15 percent since 2007, the FMA marks this achievement not only as a milestone in its history, but also as a sign of the organization’s relevance. Most associations are experiencing a decline in membership due to the struggling economy. “At a time when trade organizations across the nation are suffering significant losses, the FMA is experiencing unprecedented growth, signaling that physicians see considerable value in our work,” said Jim Dolan, MD, FMA President. “This year, the FMA celebrated our 135th birthday, and we are stronger and more relevant than we have ever been."
Tallahassee, Fla. (Vocus) December 4, 2009
For the second year in a row, the Florida Medical Association (FMA) has announced that it will close the year with record membership numbers – more than 20,000 members.
With a membership increase of more than 15 percent since 2007, the FMA marks this achievement not only as a milestone in its history, but also as a sign of the organization’s relevance. Most associations are experiencing a decline in membership due to the struggling economy.
“At a time when trade organizations across the nation are suffering significant losses, the FMA is experiencing unprecedented growth, signaling that physicians see considerable value in our work,” said Jim Dolan, MD, FMA President. “This year, the FMA celebrated our 135th birthday, and we are stronger and more relevant than we have ever been.”
“The FMA has proven, especially over the past two years, that we provide a substantial return on investment for our members,” noted Timothy J. Stapleton, FMA Executive Vice President. “Our growing membership numbers reflect that we are successfully fulfilling our mission—helping physicians practice medicine—and we are grateful for the FMA’s dedicated physician leaders and our professional FMA staff for sustaining this organization.”
This achievement marks a dramatic turnaround for the FMA. From the years 2000-2007, the FMA averaged just 16,830 members per year, and the total number of members never exceeded 17,700. Today, the FMA represents over 20,000 members and remains the largest organization representing physicians in the state.
“Over the past two years, we have made significant organizational changes that have resulted in greater success in our on public policy advocacy efforts,” added Stapleton. “Physicians have taken notice of this, and they want to be part of a winning team.”
“While we are pleased with the increase in membership, we understand that we must continue to focus on making Florida a better place to practice medicine,” concluded Dr. Dolan. “With the health system reforms emanating from Washington, D. C., this is a challenging time for physicians across the nation. However, our members know that in this time of change, the FMA is here to serve as an effective advocate for physicians and their patients.”
About the Florida Medical Association
Founded in 1874, the Florida Medical Association's mission is to help physicians practice medicine. With over 20,000 members, the Florida Medical Association is the largest physician association in the state of Florida. For more information about the Florida Medical Association, visit Florida Medical Association (http://www. fmaonline. org)
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