About WCMS
History
The Whatcom County Medical Society was founded in 1889 by eight local physicians. Over the past 110 years, it has grown to include over 300 active and retired physicians in Whatcom County. The WCMS promotes public health and physician education and provides a number of medical services for the community.
Mission
- Improve and disseminate medical knowledge.
- Advance the standards of medical education and practice.
- Secure the enactment and enforcement of just legislation pertaining to medicine and health.
- Guard and foster the just interests of its members and the public, and to maximize the benefits available from health care.
- Be useful to the people of our community in the prevention, mitigation and cure of disease and prolonging and adding comfort to life.
- Uphold the rights of patients to the free choice of physicians.
- Promote and foster the ethical character of medical practice.
- Promote friendly relations among physicians.
- Form, with other county societies, the Washington State Medical Association.
WCMS Programs
Sports Exam Program
Each year WCMS physicians volunteer their time and expertise to perform sports exam physicals for returning high school students. These exams take place each May, and each student is asked to donate $10. The funds collected are then used by the high schools to promote their athletic training programs.
Western Foundation Pre-Med Scholarship
In 1996 the physician members of the Whatcom County Medical Society donated over $10,000 to create an endowed scholarship for Western Washington University pre-med students through the Western Foundation. The fund continues to grow, and a scholarship is awarded each year.
Trustees
2008 Board of Trustees
- David Lynch, M.D., Family Care Network, President
- Gregory Stern, M.D., Bellingham Dermatology Clinic, President Elect
- Stephen Woods, M.D., Northwest Gastroenterology, Immediate Past President
- Gary Goldfogel, M.D., Secretary Treasurer
- Elizabeth Vennos, M.D., Bellingham Dermatology Clinic, Trustee
- James Douglas, Jr., M.D., PeaceHealth Medical Group, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Delegate
- James Bochsler, M.D., PeaceHealth Medical Group, Pediatrics Group, Delegate
- Marta Kazymyra, M.D., Bay Medical Clinic, Delegate
- Mitchell Kahn, M.D., Bellingham Internal Medicine, Delegate
- Deb Hall, M.D., Family Health Associates, Family Care Network, Alternate Delegate
Executive Director:
Sara Billington, Whatcom County Medical Society
202 E. Holly Street, #219
Bellingham WA 98225