Membership
Spouses of physician members of the Southern Medical Association are automatically considered members of the SMA Alliance–an organization that was founded in 1924 to promote and preserve the art and science of medicine.  There are no membership dues–only benefits.  The members of SMAA focus on health education, preservation of medical history, and observance of Doctors’ Day through community service activities.

Doctor's Day
In 1935 SMAA initiated celebration of Doctors' Day, an observance which culminated in the 1990 proclamation by President George Bush of March 30 as National Doctors' Day. SMAA continues to encourage its members to promote the observance through community projects. These projects pay tribute to physicians, remind the public of doctors' dedication to the health and welfare of patients, and increase awareness of the positive role of physicians in the community.
Click here to order Doctor's Day Supplies.

Health Education
SMAA's cornerstone Health Education project is Breast Cancer Awareness. Special seminars and educational programs at the annual meeting each year address these issues. Local programs and statewide campaigns aimed at prevention techniques promote the importance of the individual in managing his or her own health.  In 2005 osteoporosis and heart disease in women were added to breast cancer awareness as health education projects.

Medical Heritage
The goal of the Medical Heritage program is to preserve medical history and to recognize significant contributors in the field of medicine.  SMAA members actively research, document, and archive the many achievements of our Southern physicians - making this the only group systematically researching and recording the Southern history of medicine.

SMA Research and Education Endowment Fund
In 1986 SMA established a Research and Education Endowment Fund to provide funds in support of medical students through scholarships and research grants.  Over a million dollars has been raised to date. Each year the Alliance sponsors several fund-raising events to benefit the Endowment Fund during the SMA Annual Scientific Assembly.

The Alliance meets each year at the same time and location as SMA's Annual Scientific Assembly. Convention attendees enjoy a comprehensive schedule of meetings and presentations including:

• Educational and enrichment programs
• Awards presentations
• Doctors' Day, Health Education, and Medical Heritage exhibits
• Social event 

Membership in the Alliance is not only a forum for personal and professional development but more importantly, it's an opportunity to establish ties among medical families, in order to support and encourage one another in these challenging times.