A Win-win Situation for Professional Interests and Public Welfare: the American Medical Association and the Federalization of Drug Administration (1891-1912). (English)

The article discusses the early involvement of the American Medical Association (AMA) in crafting U.S. food and drug safety legislation, starting in the late 19th century. The development of the AMA into a "medico-political organization" that lobbied Congress and sought to influence public opinion, such as through the "Journal of the American Medical Association," is discussed, especially in relation to passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act and the 1912 Sherley Amendment. The AMA's political activity during this time is seen as a positive example of professional interests acting on behalf of public health.