A health association is a professional organization for health professionals. They are often based on specialty and are usually national, often with subnational or regional affiliates. Health associations usually offer conferences and continuing education. They often serve in capacities similar to trade unions, and often take public policy stances on medical issues.
Many health associations publish semi-annual, monthly, or quarterly journals. In some jurisdictions they have a self-governing mandate and are responsible for licensing of practitioners in their field and regulating advertising.