A historical review of medical societies and journals in Vojvodina

INTRODUCTION: Long before the foundation of the Medical Society of Vojvodina (MSV) of the Serbian Medical Society (SMS), health professionals of Vojvodina had initiated formation of medical societies. In the mid-18th century, after the liberation from the Turkish rule. there were few educated physicians, so surgeons and barbers were responsible for public health care. Like other craftsmen, they organized their guilds (esnafs), and one of the most famous was the Guild of Surgeons in Novi Sad. MEDICAL SOCIETIES IN VOJVODINA: The first professional medical society in Vojvodina, the Medical Society of Banat, Backa and Baranja, was founded on November 19, 1919. Since that time, and due to political circumstances, the society has changed its name to the Medical Society of Vojvodina of the Serbian Medical Society (SMS), but its aims have virtually remained the same. MEDICAL JOURNALS IN VOJVODINA: This paper also reviews the history of medical journalism in Vojvodina, including the present journal of the MSV - SMS, Medical Review, which is due to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2008. Taking into account the historical context and the continuity of work, the year 1919 is the year of the foundation of the first society of physicians in Vojvodina, and it should be considered when celebrating the society's anniversary.