The WMA is an apolitical, independent international organization, consisting of 115 member organizations and representing millions of physicians worldwide. The WMA endeavors to ensure the independence of physicians and promote the highest possible standards of medical ethics, by providing guidance to physicians through its declarations, resolutions, and statements. The IMA is an active member of the WMA, Is represented in several committees and participates in numerous work groups. Currently, IMA Secretary General, Leah Wapner is the Chair of the WMA workgroup on Medical Technologies.

Dr. Heidi Stensmyren, President of the Swedish Medical Association since 2014, is the current President of the World Medical Association. Former IMA President Professor Leonid Eidelman was President of the WMA from 2018-2019, while former IMA President Dr. Yoram Blachar, also served as president of the WMA in 2008-2009 and as Chair of Council from 2003-2006.

The IMA has initiated many policy papers that were adopted into WMA policy and assisted in the revision of the International Code of Medical Ethics which outlines a physician’s duties to patients and colleagues.