History

The Brighton and Sussex Medico-Chirurgical Society is one of the oldest medical societies in the country. It was founded in 1847 by Dr William King who also founded the Co-operative Society. Dr King was the first President of the Society and regular meetings were held for many years in the music room of the Royal Pavilion. In the 1970s, meetings were transferred to the Sussex Postgraduate Medical Centre on the Brighton General Hospital site. The 100th anniversary meeting, held in the Pavilion was attended by many distinguished guests including the Presidents of the three Royal Colleges. The Society has an extensive library containing many valuable historical medical books.

Membership

The Society currently has over 250 members, consisting of doctors who are active consultants or general practitioners, retired members and also associate members who are spouses or partners of members. Junior medical staff and Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS) students are welcome as members or guests. Non-medical guests of members are also welcome.

Meetings

Evening meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month excluding July, August & September. The speaker programme is arranged by the current President and the invited speakers often have an international or national reputation.

Meetings are held in the main lecture theatre of the Audrey Emerton Education Centre on the Royal Sussex County Hospital site. Supper for those requiring it is available from 6.30pm and it is advisable to pre-book with Cynthia Lewis, the Society secretary.The invited speaker's address starts at 7.45pm and usually lasts for approximately an hour followed by refreshments in the foyer.

 

Organisation

The Society is run by a Council, comprising of the President, Literary Secretary, 3 Trustees, Hon Treasurer, Librarian, and up to 12 ordinary members, supported by a secretary.The officers are elected at the AGM which is usually held before the May meeting.

Council meetings are held three times a year.

Annual Dinner

There is an Annual Dinner held at an interesting local venue which is open to members and their guests. The Society is in the process of undergoing major changes to make it a more open Society which will be more responsive to the requirements of the 21st century. The original postgraduate role which the Society undertook for the first 120 years of its life has been superseded by formal postgraduate educational programmes which are led and coordinated by various national and local educational bodies.

Our Aim

Our aim is to provide a forum where doctors from all over Sussex can meet and hear interesting and stimulating talks on a variety of medical, paramedical, historical, political and also some non-medical topics. These talks will try to address some of the major medical, ethical, philosophical, educational and medico-political issues that confront us. We are particularly keen to preserve and nurture the strong social / fellowship aspect of the Society. The new Audrey Emerton Education Centre on the Royal Sussex County Hospital site provides an excellent venue where doctors, and their friends and family can meet, enjoy a good meal and listen to a stimulating talk.

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