L. Margaret Barnett of the University of Southern Mississippi began the Southern Association of the History of Medicine and Science in 1998.  The organization held its first regional meeting in 1999.  As interest in the History of Medicine and Science grew over the last decade, so did interest in SAHMS.  By 2003, nearly 100 people were in attendance from across the United States and Canada.  Interest continues to grow, and inquires about the organization have come in from around the world.

SAHMS as a community of scholars is unique in its focus: from the cutting edge theories of faculty to the tentative first papers by graduate students in all aspects of medical and scientific history.  What began as a regional conference to discuss issues in the history of medicine and science has become a collegial and supportive conference of the best that academics from the many fields that touch on the history of medicine and science can offer.  The Southern Association for the History of Medicine and Science is a conference that many look forward to year after year to learn, to network, and to exchange ideas.

In conjunction with her retirement, Margaret Barnett has stepped down as executive secretary treasurer of SAHMS.  She has been our founder, our mentor, and our guide.  We will miss her at our annual meetings.  Our heartfelt thanks go out to you, Margaret.  ​