Society of Medical Administrators – Brief History to Today

The Society was formed in 1909 as the Medical Superintendents Club, a small group who met annually in New York City to discuss hospital administration. Originally, membership was limited to 25 individuals, all of whom had to be physician CEOs of hospitals. Charter members included the directors of Massachusetts General Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, Bellevue Hospital, Cincinnati General Hospital, Brigham Hospital, Barnes Hospital and New Haven Hospital. Membership was by election and had to be unanimous, criteria that remain in place to this day.

By 1949 the organization had expanded to 50 active members — where it stands today — and included physicians who held major leadership responsibilities beyond, and including, acute care hospitals and academic medical centers.

Today, SOMA remains a vital and growing organization that has attracted physician leaders who are responsible for the executive operation of academic health science centers; acute care hospitals; large medical groups; professional medical, hospital and public health associations; healthcare purchasing and health plan organizations; telehealth providers; among others.

SOMA Members not only represent diversity in health and medical care delivery; but, also in racial, gender and geographical characteristics. The organization is focused on providing a supportive, educational and peer mentoring platform, which it achieves through a once a year retreat held over the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration weekend. In addition to the formal annual gathering, the membership takes advantage of the bonds of friendship and professional expertise of its members in informal ways throughout the year.