[1] NAAMA was founded as the Arab American Medical Association (AAMA) in 1975 in California by Dr. Kamal Batniji, M.D., as a non-profit, nonpolitical, educational institution seeking to educate and strengthen the ties between people of Arab descent working in various medical fields.

Tha NAAMA Foundation was formed in 1990 as a vehicle to assist with medical assistance projects, educational exchanges, scholarships, research grants, and emergency medical aid in conflict zones.

The foundation has an independent board of directors (liaisons) that run the organization as a separate entity apart from NAAMA.

The foundation has also supported social and human service organizations such as the Community Health Center built by the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) in Dearborn, Michigan; members have also donated their time and money to help the relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Annual dues are collected from each member and vary by membership category and chapter affiliation.