As you might expect, the first state medical society was founded in Massachusetts. A group of doctors formed the Massachusetts Medical Society as a professional association of physicians on Nov. 1, 1781, and temporary officers were chosen later that month (on Nov. 28) until permanent officers were elected the following year. The charter was signed by two famous founding fathers: Samuel Adams, as president of the Senate, and John Hancock, as governor of Massachusetts. In 1812, the Society began publishing what is now known as The New England Journal of Medicine, which today is considered the premier medical publication in the world. The organization, which actively promotes the interests of patients and doctors, has grown from its original 70 members to more than 16,500 members.

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