Final answer:
The American Medical Association helped professionalize and standardize the medical profession in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The founding of the American Medical Association in 1848 to standardize education and licensing of doctors was the beginning of professionalizing and standardizing the medical profession in the United States. Prior to the formation of the American Medical Association, there were no professional medical organizations or standards in place, leading to the prevalence of quack doctors and harmful medical practices. The establishment of the American Medical Association marked a significant step toward improving the quality of medical education and practice.