HISTORY

The Philadelphia Academy of Surgery was founded in 1879 by Samuel D. Gross, M.D., the chief of surgery at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. The Academy of Surgery is the oldest continuously meeting surgical society in the United States. The Philadelphia Academy predates Gross' founding of the American Surgical Association, which is widely considered to be the nation's most prestigious surgical society.

As stated in its constitution, "The object of the Academy shall be the Cultivation and Improvement of the Science and Art of Surgery, the Elevation of the Medical Profession, the Promotion of the Public Health, and such other matters as may come legitimately within its sphere." Toward this end, the Academy of Surgery holds dinner meetings six times each year; five meetings are held at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the sixth is held jointly with the New York Surgical Society. The final meeting of the year is held jointly with the Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. The dates and times of this year's meetings can be found by clicking here. Non-members may attend at the invitation of a member.

Particularly significant events include the Rhoads Annual Oration and the Erb Lecture. The Academy also sponsors a yearly Residents' Paper Competition and awards the prestigious Samuel D. Gross Prize once every five years.

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Samuel D. Gross, M.D., LL.D., D.C.L.

D. Hayes Agnew, M.D., LL.D.

Addinell Hewson, M.D.

Richard J. Levis, M.D.

Thomas G. Morton, M.D.

John H. Packard, M.D.

John H. Brinton, M.D.

William H. Pancoast, M.D.

J. Ewing Mears, M.D.

Samuel W. Gross, M.D., LL.D.

Top left photo (c) courtesy Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia Academy of Surgery

Contact Philomena Murray, Administrator