About the Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA)
The Belize Medical and Dental Association (BMDA) is the professional body representing licensed medical doctors and dentists in Belize. Established in 1964, the Association has played a pivotal role in shaping Belize’s healthcare landscape—advocating for professional standards, education, ethical practice, and policy development.
Historical Background
The BMDA was founded during the same year Belize achieved internal self-government, marking a turning point in both national and professional self-determination. Its first meeting was held at the residence of the late Dr. Salvador Awe, a veteran Belizean dentist who served as the Association’s first president. From its inception, the BMDA has aimed to uphold sound medical and dental practices and support the professional development of healthcare practitioners in Belize.
In the early decades, meetings were held informally, often at the old Belize City Hospital. A shift toward formal governance occurred in 1981, when the BMDA was registered as a legal entity, coinciding with Belize’s independence.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
A major function of the BMDA is the promotion of Continuing Medical Education (CME). Initially delivered through monthly lectures and guest presentations, CME efforts expanded significantly in 1982, with the launch of the Association’s first two-day conference. This event evolved into the Annual BMDA Medical Congress, which has featured specialists from the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, and Europe.
Professional Regulation and Policy Development
The BMDA has played an instrumental role in the medical and dental registration process in Belize. In 1982, it collaborated with the Ministry of Health to replace the Medical Registration Board with the Medical Council of Belize (MCB)—a body composed of professionals from within the field, with two members nominated by the BMDA. This change improved professional accountability and regulation.
Subsequent legislative amendments in 1992 and 2000, supported by the Association and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank, further strengthened Belize’s medical registration framework.
Code of Ethics
The BMDA adopted its own Code of Ethics in 2007, modeled after regional and international professional standards. This initiative formalized the ethical obligations of medical and dental practitioners in Belize, promoting accountability, integrity, and patient-centered care.
Infrastructure and Organizational Development
After years of operating in borrowed or rented spaces, the Association secured a property along the Western Highway in 2008 to develop its own headquarters. This milestone marked the beginning of a permanent institutional base for the BMDA’s operations and member services.
Mission and Impact
Throughout its history, the BMDA has consistently upheld its commitment to:
- Promoting excellence in healthcare delivery
- Ensuring professional accountability and development
- Advocating for ethical standards and regulatory reform
- Building a community of medical and dental professionals
These efforts are rooted in the principles of the Hippocratic Oath, which continues to guide the BMDA’s mission to serve the people of Belize with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.
References
- An Abbreviated History of the Belize Medical and Dental Association. Dr. John Waight F.R.C.S.Ed. [PDF Document]
Source: Belize Archives and Records Service
Document retrieved from internal source: abbreviatedHistory.pdf