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).
Throughout it’s over 160 years of existence, the Lehigh County Medical Society has played in active role in providing for its members’ professional and social needs. At general membership meetings, physicians are invited to discuss health policy and learn about a wide range of medical topics. Past topics have included current issues on healthcare enforcement, healthcare advocacy, the future of cardio-thoracic surgery, medical volunteering in Haiti, and other issues concerning providers of healthcare. LCMS also holds yearly joint meetings with the Bar Association on medical legal issues as well as joint meetings with the Northampton County Medical Society.
Social activities, allowing doctors to network and relax, have also been a component of the LCMS’s work over the years. These include golf outings, IronPigs baseball games and more. Each year the LCMS hosts a formal banquet honoring the 25 and 50-year member award recipients, introducing that year’s president, and providing dinner and dancing for all attendees.
With healthcare policy continually changing, the Lehigh County Medical Society has always been there to advocate for physicians. 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.”
Membership in the Lehigh County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society will help fulfill your professional and social needs.
Wondering why you should become a member or renew?
Advocating on Your Behalf by…
✓ Addressing physician concerns about Maintenance of Certification (MOC). PAMED is recognized as the national leader in these efforts and has issued a statement of no confidence in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s leadership.
✓ Confronting the opioid crisis by advocating for and educating physicians and patients through our Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Sure. initiative.
✓ Led efforts to pass legislation limiting retroactive denials of reimbursement by insurers.
✓ Aggressively advocating for physician-led, team-based care.
✓ Working to advance telemedicine in Pennsylvania.
For more information, please see https://www.pamedsoc.org/laws-advocacy/topics?SSO=true
Questions?
Contact our Knowledge Center at 855-PAMED4U (855-726-3348) or KnowledgeCenter@pamedsoc.org.
CME/Leadership Development
Gain access to 40+ credits of free, online CME ($1,200 value) that help you meet your state license renewal requirements. These include courses that help you meet your patient safety and risk management requirements.
✓ Comply with child abuse reporting education required for licensure.
✓ Easily track your CME using PAMED’s online tracking tool.
✓ Learn how to meet your responsibilities under the state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP).
✓ Enhance your leadership skills. Scholarships are available for PAMED’s Year-Round Leadership Academy.
For more information, please see https://www.pamedsoc.org/education-cme/TakeCME
Practice Support
✓ Prepare for and navigate MACRA through PAMED’s online resources.
✓ Receive important updates and expert advice at our spring and fall practice manager meetings, which includes both live and virtual attendance options.
✓ Get tools to help you run your practice, such as our Medicare Annual Wellness Visit Toolkit.
✓ Gain access to a myriad of practice support tools on our website.
For more information, please see https://www.pamedsoc.org/practice-support/Solutions-for-Your-Practice?SSO=true
However you choose to participate in the Lehigh County Medical Society, you will know that, as a society member, you will be represented in important medical issues.
How to Join:
The online application at the Pennsylvania Medical Society
You can renew or join online at www.pamedsoc.org/renew or by calling PAMED’s Knowledge Center at 855-PAMED4U (855-726-3348).
Membership Types
Physicians — For actively practicing physicians. Physicians in first, second, or third years after training receive a discounted rate. (Not currently practicing medicine? Call us at 855-726-3348 to ask about membership.)
Residents and Fellows — First year of membership is free. After that, dues are 10 percent of full physician rate.
Medical Students — Membership is free if you’re studying for an MD or DO degree.
Practice Administrators — Individuals who directly manage a medical practice.
Hospital Medical Staff Coordinators — Individuals who function as the primary contact for the medical staff.
