Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) is a non-profit professional association representing physicians, residents, and medical students. With 10,000 members, the MMA is an advocate on health care issues at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. It provides a connection between physicians and lawmakers through a variety of events at the State Capitol and in legislator's home districts. Publications The MMA keeps physicians up to date on the events and issues that affect their practice through various publications including: Minnesota Medicine is MMA's monthly journal which provides practical information as well as political, economic, and public health articles. The Physician Advocate is MMA's monthly news publication within Minnesota Medicine that focuses on events at the Minnesota Legislature and MMA's advocacy on behalf of physicians and their patients. MMA News Now is a weekly email newsletter that includes breaking health care news and links to longer articles on the MMA website. The Journal-Lancet, formerly known as "Journal of the Minnesota State Medical Association and the Northwestern Lancet" History On July 23, 1853, John H. Murphy and 10 young physicians gathered at the new St. Paul courthouse for the first ever medical profession convention. This convention was the formation of the Minnesota Medical Society. The 11 young physicians voted Thomas R. Potts, previously the first Mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, their president. John Murphy and A.E. Ames were made co-vice presidents. The group adopted a constitution and bylaws. Within this constitution was the article titled "The Objects of the Society". The objects included: the elevation of professional character; the protection of all measures… [designed] to improve health and protect the lives of the community; the advancement of medical knowledge; and the protection of the interests of its members." 1853 – The Minnesota Medical Society is formed. 1869 – The Minnesota Medical Society reorganizes as the Minnesota State Medical Society. 1870 – The medical society adopts an amended constitution and bylaws, which establish a mechanism for examining prospective members for the diploma of membership in the society. 1871 – The Minnesota State Medical Society seeks and obtains passage of a law for the registration of vital statistics. 1872 – The Minnesota State Medical Society initiates legislation that creates a state board of health, only the third in the nation. 1880 – The Minnesota State Medical Society admits three women physicians. 1883 – The Minnesota State Medical Society helps overcome resistance to the new antiseptic