Founded in 1856 and representing more than 50,000 California physicians, residents, and medical students, the California Medical Association (CMA) is the state's leading advocate for the practice of medicine, public health, and the physician-patient relationship.
The California Medical Association was founded in 1856 by a small group of physicians who understood it was their duty to fight for their patients and profession. Confronted with rampant quackery, epidemics of contagious disease, and a desperate need to establish standards for the profession, these early leaders formed the Medical Society of the State of California "to develop, in the highest possible degree, the scientific truths embodied in the profession" .
For 170 years, CMA has pursued its mission to promote the science and art of medicine, protection of public health, the betterment of the medical profession, and to achieve health equity and justice. Today, CMA serves more than 50,000 members with comprehensive practice tools, services, and support including legislative, legal, regulatory, economic, and social advocacy .
CMA's current strategic focus emphasizes physician empowerment to lead the transformation of the health care system — reducing administrative burdens, supporting quality care, and ensuring physicians thrive amid industry consolidation .
CMA offers FREE membership to medical students and residents, removing financial barriers for the next generation of physician leaders . For practicing physicians, membership is coordinated through local county medical societies, with dues varying by component society and practice type.
CMA empowers students and residents through leadership opportunities at the local, state, and national level. Members gain training and resources to strengthen their CV while shaping state and federal health care policies. Through events and forums, CMA connects members directly to peers to collaborate on and advocate for policies that impact medical students and residents .
Additional benefits include student loan refinancing through CMA's partner SoFi, with an additional 0.25% rate discount — borrowers save an average of $15,672 over the life of their loans .
| Category | Membership |
|---|---|
| Medical Student | Free |
| Resident / Fellow | Free |
| Practicing Physician | Via county society |
| Hospital Medical Staff (OMSS) | $500–$2,500 (by beds) |
OMSS dues based on hospital size and medical staff type .
CMA provides leadership training and advocacy opportunities at every career stage. Members can volunteer, serve on committees, councils, or boards, and participate in the CMA House of Delegates through the Resident or Medical Student Sections .
In 2026, CMA and Physicians for a Healthy California announced the Dr. Ted and Marcy Mazer Award for Leadership, Mentorship & Advocacy. Made possible through a $50,000+ gift from CMA Past-President Ted Mazer, MD, the award provides up to $2,500 annually to support California-based medical students, residents, and early-career physicians who demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication to advocacy, or to programs that support them .
CMA also offers the Resident and Fellow Section (RFS), giving physicians-in-training the chance to shape the future of medicine by participating in all levels of the organization .
CMA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and provides continuing medical education for physicians . Educational programming spans virtual and in-person formats:
Held virtually on June 16, 2026, this event offers strategies for leveling up CME programs. Keynote speaker Graham McMahon, MD, President and CEO of ACCME, shares insights on the future of CME. Early-bird registration is $250 (by May 15); after May 15, $300. Group discounts of 10% are available for three or more attendees from the same organization .
Taking place virtually July 23–24, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily, this interactive workshop explores the Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle and its application to accreditation criteria. Early bird and group discounts are available .
CMA regularly hosts webinars on clinical and practice topics. Recent examples include "Managing Challenging Patient Interactions" (free for members and non-members) and "Using AI to Spot Trouble Before the Payor Does" (free for members and staff, $99 for non-members) .
Format: CMA offers a hybrid mix of virtual and in-person programming. CME conferences and accreditation workshops are primarily virtual, while networking events, the House of Delegates, and county society mixers are held in-person across California .
Audience: CMA serves medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians. Students and residents receive free membership and dedicated leadership pathways. Practicing physicians access advocacy, practice resources, CME, and insurance programs through county societies.
Website: For membership, advocacy, CME, or general inquiries, visit cmadocs.org.