Promoting excellence in medical journalism to encourage and support our members and provide career development opportunities
Welcome to the UK’s largest body of professional health and medical writers, editors and broadcasters
Latest news and resources
Why join the MJA?
The MJA was born in 1967, in the ancient cellars of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street. Today, being a member of the MJA provides exclusive access to career enhancing resources, professional and social events including our Annual Lecture and Symposium, press briefings, and of course, the MJA Awards, which celebrate excellence in health journalism.
As the longest serving BBC Health Correspondent I can’t recommend joining the MJA enough.
The networking opportunities are amazing and the seminars keep you up to date. The awards also offer an opportunity to showcase your best journalism.
Matthew Hill,
Health Correspondent for the BBC in the South-West
MJA events include a range of networking, social and professional development activities
High profile speakers and exclusive access to new research and policy
Alongside our renowned MJA Awards, key events include the Annual Lecture, provided by a leading figure from the UK health sector, and our Symposium where clinicians, researchers, policy makers and journalists discuss hot topics in health and medicine. We also host exclusive news briefings, webinars to support career development and social networking events. This exciting and vibrant programme advances our core mission of informing, supporting and championing our members.
Annual Lecture
The Annual MJA Lecture provides a unique opportunity to hear from a leading figure in health and science and to take part in a Q&A session followed by networking and drinks. Previous speakers include health secretary Wes Streeting, NHS England chief Sir Jim Mackey and in 2026, chief medical officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty.
Symposium
Now in its fifth year, the MJA’s Annual Symposium is a must-attend event, with members joining doctors, researchers and policy experts to discuss key topics in medicine. From health inequalities to whistleblowing, reporting after a pandemic and uncovering a scandal, this day-long conference has generated headlines and inspired future reporting.
The MJA Awards
The MJA Awards celebrate excellence in medical and health journalism. To win an MJA Award – or just to be shortlisted – is to receive one of the highest accolades in the industry. The awards are highly valued within the sector for their impact on career enhancement and peer recognition.
Entries are now closed for 2026. Winners will be announced at our ceremony on 22nd September.
The MJA offers a variety of opportunities to connect with, inform and celebrate the UK’s leading health and medical journalists
From playing a key role in our Awards, to supporting our Annual Lecture, Symposium and more, sponsoring an MJA event or resource can connect you and your clients to leading medical and health journalists from across the UK.
We understand the huge significance of communication and PR in strengthening good quality health journalism. We build positive relationships with our sponsors, within clear guidelines and we greatly appreciate their support.
