The MJA was founded in 1967 as an independent professional organisation for those who write, edit or produce material on health or medicine. Since then, we have grown into a vibrant and diverse community of more than 400 journalists, broadcasters, editors and authors.

Our membership includes medical, health and pharmaceutical journalists, as well as doctors, nurses, therapists and academics. meeting_group_shot_caroline_and_maya_foreground_medWe contribute to national and regional newspapers, professional journals, business and consumer magazines, radio, television and the web and between us we have written hundreds of books and reports. While we accept sponsorship for awards and this website, we take pride in our autonomy and our motto: Independent and bloody minded. Excellence in medical and health journalism is celebrated at our Annual Awards and throughout the year there is a busy schedule of meetings and get-togethers which provide an opportunity for further training, networking and catching up with colleagues. In our members-only forums you will find information on work opportunities, fair rates, special offers and many other benefits.

What our members say

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MJA membership is great value for money. I especially enjoy the (free) regular educational meetings on topics ranging from how to make the most of social media to the future of NHS health policy. They’re invariably stimulating, useful and fun.

Kathryn Bingham Editor, NHS Choices website
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You get prizes! Freelancers aren’t exactly smothered in appreciation and the MJA awards can give you a warm glow. They also make editors take notice.

Jerome Burne Awarding winning freelancer and regular contributor to the Daily Mail
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The MJA is a fantastic organisation to belong to – a real chance to network with like-minded souls, swap industry gossip, hear about new work (or commiserate about lack of it). We stand stronger when we stand together.

Victoria Lambert Award-winning freelance journalist, regular contributor to The Telegraph and former editor of Daily Mail Good Health
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The social media event was really useful, with some really useful practical suggestions on how to mine for stories and techniques for finding contacts. Would highly recommend MJA membership.

Lilian Anekwe Consumer health editor, BMJ publishing group
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As a commissioning editor, MJA meetings and awards were an opportunity to catch up with freelancers. Now I have escaped and returned to freelancing I find the Association is a great way to keep up to date with industry trends and news.

Jane Symons Freelance journalist and media consultant, former editor of The Sun’s health pages
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Freelancing can be quite a solitary existence. MJA membership not only provides a social outlet but is really valuable in terms of keeping up with trends in rates, staff changes among commissioning eds and media consultancy opportunities.

Pat Hagan Prolific freelancer and regular contributor to nationals including The Sun, Daily Mail and Daily Express

How to join
Awards
Our sponsors
History of the MJA
Executive committee
Contact us

 
 

Request to members

When speaking or writing publicly members of the MJA are requested not to give the impression that they speak on behalf of the MJA unless this has been specifically agreed in advance with the executive committee. If members make reference to their being an MJA member they should always make it clear that their opinions are personal rather than the official position of the Association.