The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) is a professional association representing more than 15,000 physicians in Michigan. Incorporated on June 5, 1866, MSMS is a non-profit, membership organization of physicians, graduates completing residency programs, and medical school students. MSMS is the state affiliate of the American Medical Association.
The Michigan State Medical Society publishes the weekly Medigram eNewsletter and the bi-monthly Michigan Medicine® magazine.
Mission
The mission of the Michigan State Medical Society is to improve the lives of physicians so they may best care for the people they serve.
History
In 1819, five physicians organized the Michigan Medical Society in Detroit. Its purpose was "to examine medical students and certify those so deemed as doctors." The group later reorganized in Ann Arbor as the Peninsula Medical Society in 1851. That organization disbanded by 1859.
Formation of the Michigan State Medical Society took place June 5, 1866 in the Supreme Court Room of Odd Fellows Hall in Detroit, near Woodward and E. Jefferson Avenues. About 100 physicians from all areas in Michigan were present. The society pledged "to elevate professional and medical education and to cultivate the advancement of medical science." The society also adopted the code of ethics of the American Medical Association (AMA).
Among its first projects was the establishment of a state public health department, which was created in 1873. The society was housed in various buildings in Detroit until a headquarters was constructed in Lansing.
The state society, a voluntary, professional organization, provides postgraduate training for physicians and strives to improve the public health by its public service, and educational activities.