Join the Chicago Medical Society

With a legacy dating back to 1850, the Chicago Medical Society (CMS) represents over 17,000 physicians across Cook County. As a charter component of the Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS), CMS is dedicated to advancing the medical profession through advocacy, education, and collaboration.


Learn More about Our Membership

Why Join?

The Chicago Medical Society (CMS) is a professional organization dedicated to assisting physicians in the practice of medicine. CMS’s mission is “To provide medical professionalism, medical education, public health and to provide the highest level of assistance and information to its members.”

Representing over 17,000 physicians, CMS is one of the largest and most active county medical societies in the country.  As a charter component of the Illinois State Medical Society, you will also have access to its resources and the extensive expertise of its staff.  CMS and ISMS are the only county and statewide organizations in Illinois that provide physicians with a unified voice.  The CMS & ISMS represent all physicians and continuously work together with our specialty societies to establish a unified front against the many obstacles we encounter in our profession.

CMS and ISMS encompass the only organizations to provide a platform for physicians to speak with a unified voice.  Without strong membership and involvement, your voice and our effectiveness are weakened.

Membership in CMS offers physicians the opportunity to learn about trends in the practice of medicine through committee participation, policy development, educational seminars and publications.  In addition, membership provides networking opportunities, membership services, and advocacy.

Join CMS Now

For Assistance or More Information

Contact CMS at (312) 670-2550 or email cms@cmsdocs.org.

Membership Categories

CMS welcomes a diverse range of medical professionals: 

Practicing Physicians:

Active medical practitioners across all specialties.

Residents and Fellows:

Physicians in postgraduate training programs.

Medical Students:

Individuals enrolled in accredited medical schools.

Retired Physicians:

Physicians who have concluded active practice.

Practice Administrators:

Leaders managing medical practice operations.

Membership Categories

Membership in CMS also includes concurrent membership in ISMS, providing access to a broader network and additional resources.  

Benefits of Membership

CMS offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your professional journey:

  • Engage in grassroots advocacy initiatives. 
  • Participate in local meetings with legislators. 
  • Contribute to health policy development. 
  • Access assistance with insurance reimbursement, Medicare, and Medicaid issues. 
  • Support efforts in professional liability reform and addressing physician workforce challenges.

  • Access Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities. 
  • Join specialized committees and online forums. 
  • Receive recognition through the Physician Recognition Award.  

  • Stay informed with publications like the Chicago Medicine Newsletter and CMS Newsstand.  

  • Utilize the Physician Placement Service for career opportunities. 
  • Engage with the Practice Manager Section for administrative support. 
  • Attend OSHA workshops and access resources for billing, collections, and credit card processing.  

  • Benefit from professional liability and group health insurance options. 
  • Explore office benefits packages, life, and disability insurance plans.  

  • Leverage the CMS Service Bureau and CMS Insurance Agency. 
  • Participate in group travel programs. 
  • Use DocBookMD for secure communication.  

Special Interest Groups

CMS fosters community through various groups:  

Women's Forum

Senior Physicians Group

Council of Hospital Medical Staff Leadership

Young Physicians Group

Group Membership Program

Organizations can benefit from the Group Member Program, offering volume discounts based on group size:  

Group Size 3-20 21-50 51-100 101-199 200+
Volume Discount 15% 20% 25% 30% 35%

This program is available to legally organized physician groups, including hospital medical staffs and medical school faculties. 

Joining CMS connects you with a vibrant community dedicated to the advancement of medicine in Cook County and beyond. 

We look forward to welcoming you to our network of professionals committed to excellence in healthcare.