The NMA, or National Medical Association, is the oldest and largest national organization to represent African-American doctors and their patients . The NMA is a 501c scientific and professional organization that seeks to protect the interests of over thirty thousand doctors and their patients. The NMA has over a hundred affiliates through the US and its territories.

It has a firm leadership role in the practice and implementation of medicine, and it is committed to the improvement of the quality of health among the disadvantaged and minorities. Throughout its long history, the NMA has had a focus on African American health issues, but its goals, initiatives, principles and philosophy apply to all ethnicities.

The mission of the National Medical Association is to promote the advancement of science and medicine for those of African descent, done through advocacy, education and the shaping of health policy. The NMA's aim is to promote wellness and health, keep physicians viable, and to reduce or eliminate disparities in the level of health care that minorities receive. It serves as the "voice" of African-American doctors, and it is a leader in the promotion of health and medical parity.

Since it was founded in 1895, the National Medical Association has been the medical profession's conscience. It was instrumental in the creation of the United States' Medicaid and Medicare programs many years ago, and recently, it was a leader in the struggle to keep the nation's health care system from collapsing when the abovementioned programs were overhauled. Every year, the NMA holds the Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, the USA's best forum on African-American health issues and medical science. It is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.