The Medical Society of the County of Erie, founded on September 1, 1821 by Erie County’s first physician, Cyrenius Chapin, MD, is the oldest organized medical body in the region and one of the oldest in New York State. Created initially to meet a New York State requirement that physicians belong to a local medical society, it quickly became a forum for professional standards, physician licensure, and the advancement of medical practice in Western New York.
From its earliest days, the Society’s physician leaders helped shape the growth of Buffalo and the surrounding communities, advocating for public health measures, medical education, and improved patient care. By 1903, under the leadership of Buffalo Health Commissioner Ernest Wende, MD—an influential member of the local profession—Buffalo achieved the lowest death rate of any city of its size in the world during the typhoid era, reflecting the impact of coordinated public health efforts.
Members of the Medical Society of the County of Erie were instrumental in founding the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in the 19th century and have long supported its mission of training future physicians. Society physicians also played key roles in establishing, governing, and modernizing the region’s hospitals, laying the groundwork for today’s integrated network of academic and community-based care across Western New York.
In 2021, the Society’s bicentennial was commemorated with the publication of Medical Society of Erie County (Images of America), a 128-page illustrated volume by Stacey Watt, MD, MBA, FASA, capturing two centuries of milestones, notable physicians, and the evolution of medical practice drawn from the Society’s archives. This work documents the organization’s continuity from its early 19th-century roots through eras of war, industrialization, scientific discovery, and rapid changes in health care delivery.Today, as physicians address complex challenges ranging from public health emergencies to health equity and physician well-being, the Medical Society of the County of Erie remains a trusted voice and advocate for both patients and the profession. Its membership continues to collaborate with public health leaders to protect community health, support clinical excellence, and uphold the highest ethical standards in medicine.
We ask all physicians, residents, and medical students in Western New York to join their medical society and add their voice to a 200-year legacy of leadership and service. By becoming a member, engaging in our advocacy efforts, participating in educational programs, and contributing to committees and initiatives, you help shape the future of medicine in our community and ensure that the profession remains strong, connected, and patient-centered for generations to come. Join Now