When AMWA was founded in 1915, women represented 5-6% of all physicians in the U.S. The organization's statement of purpose was, "to bring Medical Women into communication with each other for their mutual advantage, and to encourage social and harmonious relations within and without the profession."

A leading advocate for women's health and women in medicine, AMWA is an active participant in setting national health care policy and influencing legislation on women's health issues.