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The Victoria Medical Society
Eric Martin Pavilion
190-2334 Trent Street
Victoria BC V8R 4Z3
tel: (250) 598-6021
fax: (250) 370-8274
email: administrator
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The Victoria Medico-Chirurgical Society was founded in 1895, laying the ground work for what is now known as the Victoria Medical Society. On December 6th, 1899 Dr. J. D. Helmcken was elected the first President of the VMS. In 1917, the VMS became incorporated under the Benevolent Societies Act.
In 1911 the VMS grappled with the idea of starting a library. They appointed a committee and in 1922 a library was established. In 1932 the library moved to St. Joseph's Hospital. The library grew to the point where the Society had to hire a librarian to take care of the incoming circulations. In 1979 the VMS donated the library to the Royal Jubilee Hospital where it continues to operate today.
Currently, the VMS office is run by one employee; however, all decisions are reached by an elected committee of 5 - 6 members. This committee meets monthly. The office is supported solely through membership dues.
 The Chain of Office pictured to the left was first worn in 1983 by our then outgoing president, Dr. Mike McNeely.
 The concept of creating a Chain of Office was first conceived by Dr. Pierre d'Estrubé. He contacted the noted BC artist Mr. Tony Hunt, who created the piece.
The chain was photographed by Rob Destrubé and the framed photograph now hangs in the VMS office. It's value is estimated at more than $5,000. When transported, it is stored in a velvet bag. Care must be taken when wearing it, as the argillite is soft and marks easily.
The chain is worn by the president at all ceremonial occasions, such as the annual Osler Oration held in Vancouver each March, and at other times as stipulated by the president.
The Victoria Medical Society Mission Statement The VMS serves many purposes for doctors and for the general public. For physicians, the Society provides an arena to meet colleagues informally and discuss issues of the day. The VMS hosts three annual social events:
- The Listerian Oration
- The Annual General Meeting
- The Annual Dinner
and in addition it provides an opportunity for doctors to be involved in charity events. The VMS also offers CME lectures to keep physicians up-to-date on current office practices. The VMS archives committee collects and stores medical artifacts, thus helping to preserve the history of medicine on Vancouver Island. Currently, the VMS Pemberton Committee is excited to be involved in a fundraising project to restore the historic Pemberton Memorial Operating Room.
If you would like to find out more about the Pemberton Memorial Operating Room Restoration please click here.
The VMS continues to provide a vital service to the public through its online publication of the "Doctors Taking New Patients" list. As the number of General Practitioners decreases in Victoria, it is essential that the public has access to those doctors who are willing to accept new clients.
If you are looking for a physician in the Greater Victoria and surrounding area, please click here.
The VMS also provides information about doctors to businesses throughout the city.
Current Membership In September of 2003 the VMS became associated with the Medical Staff. The VMS currently has three distinct member groups:
Honourary Members: Those members who have retired and have been recognized by the VMS as having done something outstanding in the medical field. There are currently sixty-eight members in this category.
Associate Members: Physicians who have retired. There are currently sixty doctors in this category.
Ordinary/Medical Staff Members: Practicing physicians who work in Greater Victoria and surrounding areas. Currently there are six hundred and seventy-eight members in this category.
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Help Support the Pemberton Memorial Operating Room Restoration
Click Here |
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