The California Medical Association represents approximately 35,000 doctors, or about 36 percent of the state’s physicians. Membership is voluntary. Benefits include claims assistance, continuing medical education, advocacy for doctors in the legislative and legal systems and a copy of the California Physician’s Legal Handbook, which otherwise sells for $1,080.
A group of California doctors founded the association in 1856, with the goals of combating rampant quackery; containing epidemics of cholera, encephalitis, typhoid and smallpox; and otherwise promoting “the science and art of medicine, protection of public health, and the betterment of the medical profession,” according to the organization’s website.
