The American Medical Association (AMA) is a professional association and lobbying group of physicians and medical students. It was founded in 1847 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The AMAs mission is "to promote the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health". The AMA disseminates health and scientific information to its members and to the public and carries out a broad range of health education programs via the mass media and lectures. The AMA also represents its profession before the U.S. Congress and other governmental bodies and agencies, advocating its own views in the process. The AMA has one of the largest political lobbying budgets of any organization in the United States. AMA membership provides exclusive savings and resources, leadership and advocacy opportunities, test prep, discounts, and benefits designed for physicians, medical students, and residents.