Our Beginning

On February 19, 1841 even years before Wisconsin became a state—the Medical Society of the Territory of Wisconsin was established when territorial Governor Henry Dodge signed Act 53 of the Territorial Legislature into law. Its charge was to provide a set of scientific, professional and ethical standards individuals had to meet in order to care for the people of what would eventually become the state of Wisconsin.

That focus on medical education has remained a core value for the Wisconsin Medical Society throughout its 170-year history, and in 1954 the Society created the Foundation to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support projects vitally affecting scientific medicine and public health. Today, through numerous programs and events, the Foundation strives to achieve two key goals:

• keep physicians in Wisconsin
• promote physician-led community-based projects to improve public health

We invite you to become a member of the new 1841 Society, which recognizes individuals who have included the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation in their will or other estate planning. Join before December 31, 2011 to become a founding member.

Click here for the enrollment form.
Click here for a printable brochure.