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Polish-American Medical Society in Chicago was estab-<br />
lished in 1946, initially as the “Polish Medical Alliance, ”<br />
and served as an association of Polish physicians tha t had<br />
newly-arrived in the US as post-WWII exiles. At tha<br />
t<br />
time, the main goals of the organization were to provide<br />
support in obtaining US licenses and to help find posi-<br />
tions in the medical, dental and veterinary fields. The<br />
Polish Medical Alliance was incorporated and registered<br />
in Illinois as a non-profit organization in 1951.<br />
Short History of the<br />
Polish-American Medical<br />
Society<br />
At its inception, the Alliance had 18 members, but by<br />
1953 the number had increased to 63. Over the years the<br />
organization has grown in strength and has expanded<br />
i ts membership and goals. The longest-serving president<br />
(1955-1974) - an eminent physician, scientist, philan-<br />
thropist, and Doctor Honoris Causa from the Warsaw<br />
Medical University - Dr. Alexander Rytel was especially<br />
instrumental in spearheading numerous actions support-<br />
ing charitable and cultural initiatives benefiting Polonia as<br />
well as Poland. One such example includes his active role<br />
in raising the Copernicus monument in front of the Adler<br />
Planetarium in Chicago.<br />
The Society has operated under its current name, The<br />
Polish-American Medical Society (<strong>PAMS</strong>) since 1993. It<br />
is composed of over 400 physicians of many different spe-<br />
cialties. As a result of combined leadership and the work<br />
of a dedicated Board of Directors, the scope of <strong>PAMS</strong><br />
activity has grown exponentially.<br />
Since 1957, annual Physician’s Balls have been our main<br />
fundraising events, providing the income necessary to<br />
support <strong>PAMS</strong>’ educational funds and many other worthy<br />
causes.<br />
Over the years numerous Polonia non-profit organiza-<br />
tions have received our support. Examples are The Polish<br />
Museum of America, The Polish-American Association,<br />
The Amber Coalition, The Gift from the Heart Foundation,<br />
The Kosciuszko Foundation, Polish Jesui ts, ZHP and<br />
a variety of local Polish art and music groups.<br />
Let’s accomplish even more together!<br />
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