The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, founded in 1787, is the oldest professional medical organization in the country. Twenty-four physicians of eighteenth-century Philadelphia gathered "to advance the science of medicine and to thereby lessen human misery." Today, over 1,500 Fellows (elected members) continue to convene at the College and work towards better serving the public.

Throughout its 200 year history, the College has provided a place for both medical professionals and the general public to learn about medicine as both a science and as an art.

This historic spirit continues in our current mission: advancing the cause of health, while upholding the ideals and heritage of medicine. The College strives to:

• Enable individuals, families and communities to take greater responsibility for their health.
• Improve the health of the public through service to health professionals.
• Enhance appreciation of the heritage of medicine.
• Provide information for the development of health policy.

The College is home to the Mütter Museum and the Historical Medical Library. Our outreach programs include Philly Health Info.org, an online health information, resource and educational program serving the Delaware Valley, and the C. Everett Koop Community Education Center. The public is invited to attend the many lectures, workshops, and conferences the College offers. Our programs reflect our reverence for the past, our commitment to the present, and our vision for the future of medicine and health.

For a more detailed history of the College, please click here.