On July 23, 1853, John H. Murphy and 10 young physicians gathered at the new St. Paul courthouse for the first ever medical profession convention. This convention was the formation of the Minnesota Medical Society. The 11 young physicians voted Thomas Potts of St. Paul, their president. The group adopted a constitution and bylaws. Within this constitution was the article titled: "The Objects of the Society." The objects included: the elevation of professional character; the protection of all measures...[designed] to improve health and protect the lives of the community; the advancement of medical knowledge; and the protection of the interests of its members.

2008

The MMA worked at the Minnesota Legislature to pass health care reform legislation that includes many aspects of the MMA's vision for health care reform.

2007

The MMA achieved its top public health priority with the passage of the Freedom to Breathe Act, which prohibits smoking in restaurants and bars.

2006

The MMA brought together influential leaders in health care, business, state government, labor, education, and consumer advocacy to form an independent group, Healthy Minnesota: A Partnership for Reform.

2005

The MMA released its health care reform vision, Physicians' Plan for a Healthy Minnesota. The MMA's reform plan stirred interest and discussion, after being released in 2005.

2003

Gov. Pawlenty proclaims July 23, 2003, the MMA's 150th anniversary, Minnesota Medical Association Day.

2000

The MMA successfully advocates for a prompt pay law.

1997

The MMA convinces the Legislature to reduce the MinnesotaCare tax from 2% to 1.5%. The MMA succeeds in eliminating the $400 surcharge on physician medical licenses.

1989

The MMA and Utah Medical Association form the Geographic Coalition to raise awareness of geographic disparities in Medicare reimbursement and work for their correction.

1987

Only 14 percent of drivers wear seatbelts. The MMA successfully pushes for a law requiring seatbelt use.

1986

The MMA successfully advocates for tort reform legislation that addresses frivolous malpractice lawsuits.

1984

The MMA helps found the anti-tobacco group Minnesota Smoke-Free 2000.

1980

The MMA launches its physician-owned liability company, the Minnesota Medical Insurance Exchange in response to skyrocketing premiums.

1975

The MMA successfully pushes for Minnesota's Clean Indoor Air Act--the first in the nation.

1947

The MMA begins a nonprofit prepaid medical service, Minnesota Medical Service Inc.

1940

The MMA creates a Committee on Medical Testimony to investigate and study cases referred to it by judges who believe that false medical testimony has been deliberately given.

1928

The MMA works with legislators to pass the Basic Science Bill, which helps set standards for the education and qualifications of practicing health care providers and allows the state to prosecute illegal practitioners and quacks.

1926

The MMA begins to encourage regular health examinations for patients.

1925

Malpractice legislation proposed by the MMA becomes law.

1918

The MMA launches the journal Minnesota Medicine.

1903

The Minnesota State Medical Society changes its name to the Minnesota Medical Association.

1891

The first expulsion from the Minnesota State Medical Society is enforced due to advertising that is considered unethical.

1888

The Minnesota State Medical Society supports the creation of the University of Minnesota's medical school.

1887

The Minnesota State Medical Society persuades the Legislature to pass the nation's first state law requiring physicians to be examined by a board of medical examiners in order to practice.

1883

The Minnesota State Medical Society helps overcome resistance to the new antiseptic surgery or Listerism-paving the way for surgical advances.

1880

The Minnesota State Medical Society admits three women physicians.

1872

The Minnesota State Medical initiates legislation that creates a state board of health, only the third in the nation.

1871

The Minnesota State Medical Society seeks and obtains passage of a law for the registration of vital statistics.

1870

The medical society adopts an amended constitution and bylaws, which establish a mechanism for examining prospective members for the diploma of membership in the society.

1869

The Minnesota Medical Society reorganizes as the Minnesota State Medical Society.

1853

The Minnesota Medical Society is formed.