Final answer:
The American Medical Association (AMA) was initially formed in 1847 to establish standards in medical education and practice, promote medical ethics, and protect the public from unqualified doctors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial purpose of the American Medical Association (AMA) when it was formed in 1847 was to establish standards and improve the quality of medical education and practice.
At that time, there were no professional medical organizations or standards, and the AMA aimed to address that by promoting medical ethics, advocating for medical education reforms, and setting up guidelines for professional conduct.
Additionally, the AMA sought to protect the public by exposing and opposing the practices of unqualified and fraudulent doctors.