Benefits of becoming a member

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Attending MJA events is a fantastic way to network with high calibre - and fun - health journalists. Everyone is approachable and down to earth offering great advice. The MJA Awards are the epitome of achievement in our world and the annual Quiz Night is a must on all calendars. Membership is great value for money given the benefits it brings.
Jacqui Thornton, global health journalist, facilitator and media trainer

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As the longest serving BBC Health Correspondent I can’t recommend joining the MJA enough to younger specialists. The networking opportunities it presents are amazing, the seminars keep you up to date with the latest science , membership is tax deductible , so a bit of a no- brainer. The awards also offer an opportunity to showcase your best journalism.
Matthew Hill, Health Correspondent for BBC in the South West

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Three years ago I responded to a job advert in the MJA newsletter asking for applications to write a book on the history of the NHS. Two, soon to be three books later on the back of that ad, I couldn’t recommend MJA membership enough for developing contacts and hearing about relevant projects.
Ellen Welch, GP and Author

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Journalism can be a lonely profession and joining the MJA has helped me to connect with colleagues covering health. We’ve shared information, tips and gossip at events and I feel connected to a fraternity that has at its core an ambition for professional reporting on all things health and science. The MJA provides helpful information and interesting events and of course the annual awards which bring us all together to celebrate the best of the year’s reporting and which leaves you energised and inspired for the year ahead.
Shaun Lintern, Health Correspondent at The Independent

Why join?

Members were able to update their byline pix at the speed-dating career development workshop

Membership of the MJA confers a wide range of benefits.

These include useful resources to improve your skills and expertise, updates on work opportunities, access to our lunch-and-learn webinars and other online events and opportunities for networking, training and career development.

Networking and events

Our password protected members’ pages also provide advice on negotiating fees and the opportunity to swap notes on payments and financial issues with other members.

Once you are a member, there is no charge to enter the prestigious MJA Awards — which celebrate excellence in medical and health journalism.

Becoming a member also means there is no charge to attend the awards and most other MJA events and get-togethers — once these resume. Past meetings have covered a workshop on understanding studies and how to turn statistics into stories, speed-dating style advice on career development and a tour of the gardens of the Royal College of Physicians.

A number of external organisations have also staged knowledge-building meetings exclusively for MJA members. And the hotly contested Christmas Quiz is a highlight of the Association’s social calendar.

Forums

Our members-only forums you will find information and discussions on fair rates, special offers and many other benefits. You can also ask for advice on anything from tax to tech’. There are also tops tips for newcomers to the industry, and students hoping to break in.

We also provide a free photo-ID card confirming membership. (A small charge is payable for renewals)

Meet some of the members who have joined us this year to find out more about who we are.

Join now

Membership categories and costs

Full Membership at £55 pa (tax deductible): This is for those who spend most of their working time in medical or health journalism.

Associate Membership at £40 pa (tax deductible): This is for those who write or produce medical or health material but not as their major professional activity. Associates are often doctors, nurses or other health professionals who write, edit or broadcast part time or they may be communications staff with health charities or academic organisations. They enjoy the same benefits as full members apart from voting at the AGM.

Student Membership at £13 pa: This is available to students who can demonstrate an interest in health journalism. For example, students on journalism courses, or students on health-related courses such as medicine, life sciences pharmacy or nursing, who have an interest in journalism. Student members shall have no vote at the AGM but may vote for a representative on the Executive Committee; they shall pay a reduced subscription for one year, or for the duration of the course. Student members can attend most meetings with no charge.

Retired Membership at £13 pa: This is available to MJA members (and associates) who have retired from medical journalism. If previously a full member you will still be entitled to vote at the AGM. To have your membership changed to this category please contact the membership secretary