Medical Organizations
What are some organizations that provide medical procedure information for consumers?
Below are a list of national associations and international organizations whose goals are to provide the general public with educational information and ethical advisement regarding medical, cosmetic, and veterinary procedures and treatments. Consumers who are looking for important information regarding medical procedures can read what these organizations are promoting and advocating, and follow the links to their official sites!
Medical Procedures & Organizations
LASIK and Vision Care
American College of Eye Surgeons
http://www.aces-abes.org/ After extensive work by the founders of the American College of Eye Surgeons, in conjunction with the highly respected and nonprofit Professional Examination Service, the American Board of Eye Surgery (ABES) was established in 1988. This board testsophthalmologists on their ability to perform quality eye surgery. Physicians may choose to be certified in one or all of the following four areas; cataract/implant surgery, refractive surgery (incisional keratotomy and LASIK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).
Society for Excellence in Eyecare
http://www.excellenteyesurgery.com/As the patient's advocate, the Society for Excellence in Eyecare promotes quality, safety and cost effective care of the eye. Advances in technology and best practices are disseminated and continually enhanced by the Society for Excellence in Eyecare through education, communication and research.
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
http://www.ascrs.org/The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) is an independent non-profit organization founded in August of 1974 to disseminate information about anterior segment ophthalmic surgery. Since 1974, ASCRS has seen anterior segment surgery develop into a highly sophisticated form of ophthalmic treatment. Through its educational programs and services, ASCRS has become the physicians' primary source of up-to-date information on scientific developments within the field, as well as the regulatory decisions that affect ophthalmic practices.
American Optometric Association
http://www.aoa.org/The American Optometric Association is the premier authority in the optometric profession. With more than 35,000 members in 6,500 U.S. communities, the AOA leads the way in its mission of improving the quality and availability of eye and vision care
everywhere. Founded in 1898, the AOA is a federation of state, student and armed forces optometric associations. Through these affiliations, the AOA serves members consisting of optometrists, students of optometry, paraoptometric assistants and technicians.
Eye Care America
http://www.eyecareamerica.org/Founded in 1985, EyeCare America is a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Our mission is to reduce avoidable blindness and severe visual impairment by raising awareness about eye disease and care, providing free eye health educational materials and facilitating access to medical eye care.
National Eye Bank Association of America
http://www.restoresight.org/The Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) is a not-for-profit organization of eye banks dedicated to the restoration of sight through the promotion and advancement of eye banking. The oldest transplant association in the United States, the EBAA is a
nationally recognized accrediting body for eye banks. Since 1961, EBAA member banks have restored sight to nearly 1,000,000 individuals.
Cosmetic Treatments
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Founded in 1931, the society is composed of board-certified plastic surgeons who perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The mission of ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. The society advocates for patient safety, such as requiring its members to operate in accredited surgical facilities that have passed rigorous external review of equipment and staffing. The society works in concert with the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF), founded in 1948, which supports research and educational programs for plastic surgeons.
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
http://www.asds.net/The purposes of the Society shall be to foster, promote, support, augment, develop and encourage investigative knowledge in Dermatologic Surgery; to promote the highest possible standards in clinical practice, continuing education and research in Dermatologic Surgery; to promote the highest standards of patient care and promote the public interest relating to Dermatologic Surgery and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and methodology for Dermatologic Surgery and related basic sciences.
UnderstandPlasticSurgery.com
*http://understandplasticsurgery.com/UnderstandPlasticSurgery.com is an interactive marketing and patient education company and wholly-owned subsidiary of UnderstandSurgery.com, LLC. UnderstandPlasticSurgery.com's sole focus is to provide interactive tools to help patients and healthcare professionals understand the complexities of plastic surgery. Surgeons and healthcare corporations worldwide have partnered with UnderstandSurgery.com to develop innovative educational and marketing solutions using 3D animation and
interactive software. UnderstandSurgery.com specializes in interactive patient education, e-learning solutions and online practice marketing. Our patent-pending patient education
is available for Plastic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Joint Replacement, and Spine surgery. Founded in 2003, UnderstandSurgery.com's sole focus is to provide tools to help patients and healthcare companies understand the complexities of surgery. Surgeons and companies around the world have partnered with UnderstandSurgery.com to create innovative web-based solutions for their educational and marketing needs.
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
http://www.aaoms.org/The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the professional organization representing more than 7,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States, supports its members' ability to practice their specialty through
education, research, and advocacy. AAOMS members comply with rigorous continuing education requirements and submit to periodic office examinations, ensuring the public that all office procedures and personnel meet stringent national standards.
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
http://www.aafprs.org/The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world's largest specialty association that represents over 2,700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society of the American Medical Association (AMA), and holds an official seat in both the AMA House of Delegates and the American College of Surgeons board of governors. AAFPRS members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck. AAFPRS members subscribe to a code of ethics.
American Hair Loss Association
http://www.americanhairloss.orgThe American Hair Loss Association is the only national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to educating the public, healthcare professionals, main stream media and legislators about the emotionally devastating disease of hair loss (alopecia). Committed to the prevention and treatment of hair loss, the ALHA is dedicated to supporting research that will ultimately treat and cure those who suffer from this silent
epidemic.
Cosmetic Surgery
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
http://www.asds.net/The purposes of the Society shall be to foster, promote, support, augment, develop and encourage investigative knowledge in Dermatologic Surgery; to promote the highest possible standards in clinical practice, continuing education and research in Dermatologic Surgery; to promote the highest standards of patient care and promote the public interest relating to Dermatologic Surgery and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and methodology for Dermatologic Surgery and related basic sciences.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Founded in 1931, the society is composed of board-certified plastic surgeons who perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The mission of ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. The society advocates for patient safety, such as requiring its members to operate in accredited surgical facilities that have passed rigorous external review of equipment and staffing. The society works in concert with the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF), founded in 1948, which supports research and educational programs for plastic surgeons.
American Hair Loss Association
http://www.americanhairloss.orgThe American Hair Loss Association is the only national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to educating the public, healthcare professionals, main stream media and legislators about the emotionally devastating disease of hair loss (alopecia). Committed to the prevention and treatment of hair loss, the ALHA is dedicated to supporting research that will ultimately treat and cure those who suffer from this silent
epidemic.
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
http://www.aafprs.org/The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world's largest specialty association that represents over 2,700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society of the American Medical Association (AMA), and holds an official seat in both the AMA House of Delegates and the American College of Surgeons board of governors. AAFPRS
members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck. AAFPRS members subscribe to a code of ethics.
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
http://www.aaoms.org/The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the professional organization representing more than 7,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States, supports its members' ability to practice their specialty through
education, research, and advocacy. AAOMS members comply with rigorous continuing education requirements and submit to periodic office examinations, ensuring the public that all office procedures and personnel meet stringent national standards.
Dentistry
Academy of General Dentistry
http://www.agd.org/The AGD’s Core Purpose is to advance the value and excellence of general dentistry. The AGD’s goal is to be the premiere, worldwide organization of choice for all members of the general dentistry community, working together to ensure optimal oral health. The mission of the Academy of General Dentistry is to serve the needs and represent the interests of general dentists, to promote the oral health of the public, and to foster continued proficiency of general dentists through quality continuing dental education in order to better serve the public.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
http://www.aacd.com/The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD) is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care. The AACD fulfills its mission by: offering superior educational opportunities; promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential; serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative
exchange of knowledge and ideas; and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
http://www.aaoms.org/The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the professional organization representing more than 7,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United States, supports its members' ability to practice their specialty through
education, research, and advocacy. AAOMS members comply with rigorous continuing education requirements and submit to periodic office examinations, ensuring the public that all office procedures and personnel meet stringent national standards.
The American Academy of Periodontology
http://www.perio.org/The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. The current membership includes periodontists and general dentists from all 50 states as well as around the world.
Veterinary Medicine
American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahanet.org/Today AAHA is respected internationally for its dedication to professional development, for its hospital accreditation standards, and for the excellence of its education programs. This recognition and the strength of the organization is a tribute to the vision of its founders and to the leadership and dedication of the many veterinarians and other veterinary professionals who have devoted time and energy to serve AAHA through the years as directors, officers, member representatives, and committee members.
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
http://www.acvs.org/Founded in 1965, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons is the American Veterinary Medical Association specialty board which sets the standards for advanced professionalism in veterinary surgery. The ACVS defines the standards of surgical
excellence for the profession, promotes advancements in veterinary surgery, and provides the latest in surgical educational programs. By fostering the highest standards of
excellence in veterinary surgery, the ACVS is helping the veterinary profession achieve its goals of providing outstanding service to the public and care to animals.
California Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.cvma.net/The California Veterinary Medical Association is committed to serving our membership and community through innovative leadership and to improving animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner.
Florida Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.fvma.com/The Florida Veterinary Medical Association for the past 75 years has been the voice of Veterinary Medicine in Florida. It is a statewide, non-regulatory, not for profit association of 2,500 veterinarians who are primarily interested in the promotion of animal health and the well being of animals, public health, the enactment of laws regulating the practice of Veterinary Medicine, and the control of diseases of animals and the advancement of the veterinary profession through sponsored professional meetings and publications.
New York State Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.nysvms.org/The New York State Veterinary Medical Society was organized in 1890. Its goals and purposes have remained consistent throughout its history: To protect, promote and advance the science and profession of veterinary medicine in New York State.
Texas Veterinary Medical Association
http://www.tvma.org/The Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) was organized in 1903 and continues to operate as a nonprofit organization under the laws of the state of Texas. The purpose of TVMA is to support veterinarians as they practice the art and science of
veterinary medicine in Texas. TVMA is owned by its members who pay dues and use our products, programs and services. These member-owners currently number over 3500 licensed veterinarians practicing throughout the state of Texas. Today, TVMA is one of the largest state veterinary medical associations in the nation and is recognized for its leadership on important issues, innovative solutions and effective representation. The
excellence of its educational programs, publications and legislative efforts has fostered an outstanding reputation among veterinarians and sister associations across the country.
Hearing Care
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is one of the Institutes that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH is the Federal
government's focal point for the support of biomedical research. NIH's mission is to uncover new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone. Simply described, the goal of NIH research is to acquire new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat disease and disability. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
National Hearing Conservation Association
http://www.hearingconservation.orgThe mission of the NHCA is to prevent hearing loss due to noise and other environmental factors in all sectors of society. Our newly enhanced website is intended to provide information to anyone interested in learning more about hearing loss prevention.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.orgThe American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 130,000 members and affiliates who are speech language
pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the United States and internationally.
Other Specialties Chiropractic Care
American Chiropractic Association
http://www.amerchiro.org/The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), based in Arlington, Va., is the largest professional association in the world representing doctors of chiropractic. The ACA provides lobbying, public relations, professional and educational opportunities for
doctors of chiropractic, funds research regarding chiropractic and health issues, and offers leadership for the advancement of the profession. With approximately 15,000 members, the ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients.
International Chiropractors Association
http://www.chiropractic.org/Vision: To empower humanity in the expression of maximum health, wellness and human potential through universal chiropractic expression and utilization. Mission: To advance chiropractic throughout the world as a distinct health care profession predicated upon its unique philosophy, science, and art.
Infertility
The American Infertility Association
http://www.theafa.org/The AFA is a national, non-profit organization serving the United States through its national office in New York City, and is a leader in providing men and women, health care professionals, public officials and the media, both nationally and internationally, with information about infertility treatments, reproductive and sexual health and family building options including adoption and third-party solutions.
National Infertility Association
http://www.resolve.org/RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, established in 1974, is a non-profit organization with the only established, nationwide network mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders. The mission of RESOLVE is to provide timely, compassionate support and information to people who are experiencing infertility and to increase awareness of infertility issues through public education and advocacy.
American Pregnancy Association
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/The American Pregnancy Association is a national health organization committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy,
and community awareness.
Weight Loss
American Society for Bariatric Surgery
http://www.bariatric-surgery.info/Founded in 1983, and led by the foremost bariatric surgeons in the USA, the American Society for Bariatric Surgery leadership has become established as an excellent organization with educational and support programs for surgeons and allied health
professionals. The American Society for Bariatric Surgery is the largest society for this weight loss surgical specialty in the world.
California Dietetics Association
http://www.dietitian.org/CDA members are leading source of food and nutrition services. Our members practice in every community in California and we have a central office in southern California. CDA is an affiliate of the American Dietetic Association, which has 70,000 members
nationally and in more than 20 countries throughout the world. Most CDA members are credentialed with the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association as either Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs). Membership also includes non-registered professionals and students in dietetics programs.
InfoFAQ
http://www.infofaq.com/services/medical/organizations.htmlVisit InfoFAQ to learn more about medical procedures and treatments through national associations and international organizations.
Important: For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
If you would like to contribute your comments or an article please contact us.
Reviewed Medical Sites on the Internet
Safe Medication.com - www.safemedication.com/
Features complete, easy-to-read information on more than 800 drugs. It is based on ASHP's premier, unbiased drug information resources, which are developed independently by pharmacists and other medication experts.
Annals of Family Medicine - www.annfammed.org/
The Annals of Family Medicine is a new peer-reviewed research journal to meet the needs of scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and the patients and communities they serve. The Annals of Family Medicine is dedicated to advancing knowledge essential to understanding and improving health and primary care. The Annals supports a learning community of those who generate and use information about health and generalist health care.
Safe Medication.com
-
www.safemedication.com/
Features
complete, easy-to-read information on more than 800
drugs. It is based on ASHP's premier, unbiased drug
information resources, which are developed independently
by pharmacists and other medication experts.
Annals of Family Medicine -
www.annfammed.org/
The Annals of Family
Medicine is a new peer-reviewed research journal to meet
the needs of scientists, practitioners, policymakers,
and the patients and communities they serve. The Annals
of Family Medicine is dedicated to advancing knowledge
essential to understanding and improving health and
primary care. The Annals supports a learning community
of those who generate and use information about health
and generalist health care.
Recommended Doctor and Physician Websites
Physicians' Committee for Responsible Medicine - Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) - Web site of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a medical specialty society which represents more than 93,700 physicians and medical students.
Expert Merchants for Medical Related Issues on the Internet
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