About Us

Founding and Early Years

The Doña Ana County Medical Society was established in 1914, a period when medical societies were forming across the United States to promote medical professionalism, education, and community health. Physicians in the DACMS are part of the greater New Mexico Medical Society (NMMS). Over the years, several DACMS physicians have served as President of NMMS, with the first being Dr. Charles W. Gerber, who served from 1935-1936. Records from the society’s early years through 1957 are housed at the UNM School of Medicine, and the NMMS has archive books for each year starting in 1958.

Mission and Objectives

From its inception, the DACMS has aimed to support physicians and healthcare providers in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. The society’s objectives include fostering professional development, advocating for health policy improvements, and providing a forum for medical discussions.

Growth and Development

While the DACMS remained politically active into the 21st century, its membership began to decline over the years. Recognizing the significant loss of physicians in Southern New Mexico, the lack of primary care physicians and specialists, and rising concerns about proposed increases in malpractice rates at the legislative level, a group of local physicians met to reorganize the medical society. The DACMS continues to grow and strives to make a positive impact on medical practice in Southern New Mexico.