About HMAA

Mission

The Hungarian Medical Association of America is a voluntary organization of physicians and scientists of Hungarian heritage formed to preserve, promote, and foster Hungarian medical traditions and ideals.

The Association's first major goal is to promote and disseminate knowledge of clinical medicine and basic medical sciences by annual scientific meetings, lectures, discussions, publications, and other means. We are dedicated to building friendship and cooperation among our members and providing a forum wherein our members can meet, exchange ideas, and participate in continuing medical education.

Our second major goal is to provide scholarships and exchange programs for advancing the medical education of qualified candidates from North America and Hungary.

Our third major goal is to encourage and assist in the establishment of professional interactions between individual North American and Hungarian physicians and scientists as well as between North American and Hungarian medical societies, universities, and institutions.

All qualified persons who share these goals and ideals are welcome to join our Association. HMAA is recognized by the American Medical Association.

Our Annual Scientific Symposium held each year during the last week in October offers CME credits.

HMAA Bylaws Bylaws of the association (PDF)

History

From 1968 to Present

Science, medicine, technology, education, heritage

In 1968, a small group of visionary Hungarian American physicians gathered together to establish a forum for the purpose of promoting science and medicine within the common culture but bridging the two countries. Their inspiration for standards of excellence was rooted in a heritage full of examples set forth by many great physicians including:

Ignác Semmelweis: first to understand clinical necessity for sterile technique.
Albert Szent-Györgyi: Nobel Prize Laureate and discoverer of Vitamin C related biochemical pathways
Hans Selye: Nobel Prize nominee for human body stress theory
William Ganz: pioneering work with Dr. Swan on cardiopulmonary monitoring (Swan-Ganz catheter)

The strength of the heritage was then and continues to be the motivating force of the Hungarian Medical Association of America. Its goals:

To promote the science of medicine and human sciences in an annual multi-disciplinary symposium where recent advances, theories, and discoveries in medicine are presented by renowned lecturers of the highest distinction. Participants receive Category I Continuing Medical Educational credits.
To provide grants, scholarships, and fellowships to qualified candidates of Hungarian heritage or candidates attending Hungarian medical institutions and health related (professions) schools. Providing maximum opportunities of growth and exposure to brilliant, inquisitive minds of our young medical generation of today.
To act as liaison in enhancement of scientific and medical exchange between American medical communities and various Hungarian medical societies, foundations, and universities.

The work of the Association continues to be carried forward by the many distinguished Hungarian-American physicians who have earned professional recognition in their own specialties throughout the US, Canada, Western Europe and South America.