ATHLETICS : Organization Seeks to Educate Doctors
- Share via
Jogging was popular when the American Medical Joggers Assn. was formed in 1969.
But with the popularity of cycling, rowing, weightlifting, aerobics, triathlons, soccer, swimming and other physical activities in the ‘80s, the AMJA decided to change its name to The American Medical Athletic Assn. in 1984.
“The new name reflects the change in the athletic field and emphasizes a variety of events besides jogging,” said Judi Babb, AMAA executive secretary.
The 4,000-member AMAA, which has an office in Van Nuys, is a national organization that informs physicians of the effects of exercise on the mind and body. Dr. Ronald Lawrence, a neurologist from Agoura Hills, helped start the organization that intends to “encourage other physicians to become health-maintenance role models for their patients.”
AMAA members give seminars at marathons and triathlons. The AMAA also produces a quarterly newsletter and sports medical journal.
The AMAA has 400 members in Southern California, including specialists from such fields as dermatology, cardiology, psychology, epidemiology and orthopedics. Thaddeus Kostrubala, a psychologist who has written about the effects of endurance exercise on the mind, is one of the AMAA’s specialists.
The AMAA is open to the public.
Information: 818-989-3432.
