At the time of the formation of the Lehigh County Medical Society, Allentown had 3,700 residents, among them a total of five doctors. One of these physicians was Dr. Charles H. Martin, who practiced from his office on Hamilton and Hall Streets. One day in 1852, Dr. Martin gathered together his brother and four other doctors from neighboring towns for the formation of the Lehigh County Medical Society.
The Lehigh County Medical Society had a somewhat rocky start. After being formally organized in 1853, the group disbanded within a year or so, perhaps due to personal or professional rivalries. In 1858, the society reformed, and has been flourishing ever since.
Shortly after the society’s second formation, it began sending delegates to the annual House of Delegates meeting at the Pennsylvania Medical Society, which was founded just a few years earlier (1849), joining the other newly-created medical societies of neighboring counties (Montgomery County MS – 1847, Berks County MS – 1824, and others).
With healthcare policy continually changing, the Lehigh County Medical Society is always in the position of physician advocacy. And now, as we stand at another formative point in the history of medicine, the Lehigh County Medical Society is there to continue its mission to “unite physicians to speak with one voice… to influence health policy, thereby achieving the highest standard of healthcare for our community.”
Membership in the Lehigh County Medical Society offers you the opportunity to voice your opinions on medical matters that affect all physicians in your profession at the local level with regard to legislative issues, public health, and community service. By becoming one of our more than 400 members, you will be joining a community that is there to help you.
“We speak your language. We will help you with your problems.”
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