Royal Medical Society

The Royal Medical Society (RMS) is the oldest medical society in the UK. Known originally as 'the Medical Society' when it was established in 1734 , it was granted a Royal Charter in 1778. The RMS is a professional society engaged in the advancement of medical knowledge and provision of assistance to medical students and professionals. It is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has members throughout the world.

It is not to be confused with the younger Royal Society of Medicine of London.

ale of library

The RMS sold its extensive library, built up throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, at 3 sales at Sotheby's in London in 1969. Much of the collection was purchased by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. [ [http://ebling.library.wisc.edu/historical/rmse/index.cfm Ebling Library for the Health Sciences] , University of Wisconsin-Madison] [ [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=5496237&dopt=Abstract Abstract] , National Center for Biotechnology Information]

Notable members

*Andrew Combe
*William Cullen, one of the founders of the society
*Charles Darwin
*Matthew Kaufman
*Marshall Hall, elected Senior President in 1811
*Drummond Shiels, a Fellow and Senior President
*Sir John Struthers - physician, anatomist
*Stuart Threipland, (see Fingask Castle), physician to Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), President 1766-1770
*Hewett Watson, after whom Watsonian vice-counties were named, elected Senior President in 1831
*German Sims Woodhead, a former President

The Society Today

The Royal Medical Society meets every Tuesday evening to listen to medical talks, for example: "Life as a GP"; "Rape and how the medical profession can help" and "Latest in Paediatric Oncology". These talks are designed to educate medical students in areas which are not covered by the medical curriculum at the University of Edinburgh [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh_Medical_School] . The society also runs a number of practical sessions (e.g. venepuncture) and tutorials (e.g. 1st year exam, neuroanatomy, & endocrinology).

The society, which is now based at Bristo Square, has a library, clinical skills suite, dining room, computing room, seating lounge, bar area, kitchen and small lecture hall. The rooms have 24hour access for members.

The running of the society is managed by the RMS council which has 10 convenors, 3 junior presidents and a senior president. The estate, however, is managed by the Royal Medical Society Trust which has charitable status.

In addition to the educational activities carried out by the society, it also provides Travel and Study grants for those to wish to undertake in medical research abroad.

Another area of the society is fundraising. Activities include : a 'scrubs and white coat' pub crawl and parties in Freshers week; a Hallowe'en Party and Pub crawl; The Presidents' Annual Dinner; Burns' Supper and Ceilidh; and the Annual Quiz. This is just a taster of what members can expect from a very exciting and vibrant society.

References

ee also

*Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
*Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
*Surgeon's Hall
*University of Edinburgh Medical School

External links

* [http://www.mvm.ed.ac.uk/history/note6.htm RMS page] , College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh
* [http://www.royalmedical.co.uk/default.asp Official website]