The BMA, established in 1832, is headquartered at BMA House in Tavistock Square, London. It acts as the voice of doctors and medical students in the UK, advocating for the medical profession and the health of the nation. The BMA provides guidance on ethical and scientific issues, offers employment advice, and supports doctors through professional development and wellbeing services. It also plays a significant role in negotiating terms and conditions of service for doctors.

While the BMA itself does not offer medical specialties like a hospital, it supports various branches of medical practice through its numerous committees, including:

• Consultants Committee: Representing senior hospital doctors.
• General Practitioners Committee: For NHS GPs and GP trainees.
• Junior Doctors Committee: Representing junior hospital doctors.
• Medical Academic Staff Committee: For academic and research staff.
• Public Health Medicine Committee: For public and community health doctors​

The BMA ensures quality by providing resources and guidelines to its members on best practices in medical care, ethics, and patient safety. It also offers continuous professional development opportunities and conducts regular reviews and consultations on healthcare policies to maintain high standards in medical practice

Vision: To represent, support, and negotiate on behalf of all doctors and medical students in the UK, ensuring their voices are heard in matters affecting their professional lives and the health of the nation.

Mission: To improve the working lives of doctors and medical students, support their professional development, advocate for quality healthcare services, and influence healthcare policy for the benefit of patients and the medical profession.

The BMA is recognized for its influential role in shaping healthcare policy and supporting the medical community. It is known for its comprehensive support services for doctors, including employment advice, legal representation, and mental health support. The BMA's publications, such as The BMJ, are highly respected in the medical field.