The Academy seeks ultimately to advance medical science and improve health by investing in talented researchers, engaging people on health-related issues and providing expert impartial advice.

[5] A single national organisation was formed to support biomedical scientists and clinical academics working together to promote advances in medical science.

[6] The intention of the founders was to create a national resource outside the framework of Government, with the expertise and authority to deal with scientific and societal aspects of public policy issues in healthcare.

[10] Areas of policy work originate from within the Academy Council and wider Fellowship, and in response to consultations from the government, Parliament and other relevant bodies.

[16] Eight Sectional Committees spanning the range of medical sciences scrutinise candidates and make recommendations to Council for election.

[16] Becoming a Fellow indicates that the academy judges individuals to have made "outstanding contributions...to the progress of medical science and the development of better healthcare".