HARRIS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
2012 Media Fact Sheet
1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004-7126
Phone: 713-524-4267, Fax: 713-526-1434
Web Site: www.hcms.org
The Harris County Medical Society (HCMS), established in 1903, is the professional society for physicians in Harris County. It is the largest county medical society in the nation, with a membership of more than 11,000 physicians and medical students.
Its mission is to be the leading advocate for its member physicians, their patients and the community, in promoting the best standards of ethical medical practice, access to quality medical care, medical education, research, and community health. Its vision is to be the premier advocate, empowering physicians for leadership service in activities that benefit the community and support the medical profession.
HCMS represents three out of four physicians devoted to active patient care in Harris County and provides legislative and socioeconomic advocacy as well as public health education and services to its members.
In 1915, HCMS incorporated the Houston Academy of Medicine (HAM) to support the greater Houston community and the service, education, scientific, and charitable programs of the Harris County Medical Society. Major health education and community health projects of HCMS and HAM have included:
- Establishment of the largest medical library in the Southwest, the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library, now supported by HAM and a consortium of Texas Medical Center educational institutions.
- Creation of the plan to establish the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science (The Health Museum), which boasts the largest attendance of any health museum in the nation. The Health Museum is included in the health and science curriculum for students in the Houston Independent School District.
- Formation of the Physician Alert System to provide instant communication with physicians in the case of a major disaster or disease outbreak.
- Partnership with the city of Houston in the D-Tag Tattoo Removal Program to assist former gang members in reentering mainstream society.
- Partnership with the Houston Fire Department, Houston Strike Team, city of Houston, Houston emergency medical services (EMS), and local hospitals, in preparing for a potential major disaster or public health crisis.
- Collaboration with local blood collecting groups to assist in ensuring the community has a safe and adequate blood supply.