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, the future of cardio-thoracic surgery, and medical volunteering in Haiti. 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.
Benefits of Membership:
✓ The opportunity to formulate resolutions to impact healthcare and the medical profession for the better
✓ Resources giving you up-to-date information on healthcare developments, including our bimonthly DR Bulletin
✓ Networking and mentoring opportunities with other physicians in your community
✓ Resources for and help with Continuing Medical Education (CME)
✓ Physician Health Program and discounted insurance programs
✓ Social activities, including our Annual Banquet and fun family programs
✓ Discussions with government officials and local elected legislators that can impact health policy
✓ Optional general membership meetings with interesting medical-related and non-medical-related programs
✓ Referrals of patients who contact the Medical Society
✓ The chance to develop leadership skills which enable you to become involved at the state and national level
✓ And more!
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
If you prefer to print the application and return it by mail, please click here
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 (800) 228-7823 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.
Frontline Membership
A number of medical practices stand on the Frontline of the medical profession in Pennsylvania—they’ve made a commitment to 100 percent membership in the Pennsylvania Medical Society and Lehigh County Medical Society. Is your practice among this elite group?
Aesthetic Surgery Associates
Dorville & Kundu MD Associates
Lehigh Eye Specialists
Total Family Health Care
Allen ENT Association
Children’s HealthCare
Lehigh Valley Pediatric Assoc Inc
Professional Anesthesia Services of North America
Parkland Family Health Center
Patient First – Allentown
Urology Specialist of the Lehigh Valley – 1240 S Cedar Crest
St Luke’s OB/Gyn Associates
Good Shepherd Physicians Group
St Luke’s Nephrology Associates
VSAS Orthopaedics
Advanced Dermatology Associates Ltd
LVPG 1250 CC Infectious Diseases
Allentown Anesthesia Associates Inc
- A 5 percent discount on your Pennsylvania Medical Society dues.
- A certificate of recognition to hang in your office.
- Regional meetings covering topics like risk management, employment law, OSHA and Workers’ Compensation. These meetings are designed exclusively for member practice managers and office staff, free of charge.
- Additional discounts and services from Pennsylvania Medical Society endorsed vendors
Solion — Printed business products to help medical practices run more efficiently.
United Communications Group (UCG) — Discounts on newsletters, reference binders, and software programs.
RiskCare — Provides CME and risk management services. A subsidiary of PMSLIC.
