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Manatee County Medical Society
Formed in 1906, Manatee County Medical Society (MCMS) is a medical association, dedicated to serving physicians and the people of Manatee County.
With over 350 active members, composed of Medical Doctors and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine, the society exists to promote excellence in all aspects of medical care.
MCMS guards and fosters the mutual interests of our member physicians and promotes high-quality health care for the people of Manatee County.
Our Mission
Manatee County Medical Society strives to extend medical knowledge and advance medical science; to elevate the standards of medical education; to enlighten and alert the public, to merit its respect and confidence; and to promote and encourage the availability of high quality healthcare to all the citizens of Manatee County.
Our History
Very little is known about the early days of Manatee County Medical Society except that it was started in 1906.
More is known about MCMS’s first president and his incredible life in “Bradentown”.
Dr. Leffingwell was born in Louis County, Missouri. His father, General Hiram Wheller Leffingwell, had been a Union General and served in President Grant’s administration.
Dr. Leffingwell began his study of medicine in 1877 and graduated from St. Louis Medical College in 1880. He practiced at the St. Louis Female Hospital for a year before coming to Bradentown in 1881.
Dr. Leffingwell was Bradentown’s first physician. However, he was not readily accepted because he was a Yankee, a Republican, and a Catholic.
In 1893, Dr. Leffingwell’s son, Jack, helped him connect his drug store to his home by telephone. By 1895, he had a small switchboard in the local general store and had a telephone exchange with a line to Sarasota.
By 1900, he was in great demand all the way down to the Sarasota Hotel. Dr. Leffingwell was one of the original city council members when Bradentown incorporated in 1903 and was the town's Postmaster.
In 1906, Manatee County Medical Society was established and Dr. JB Leffingwell became its president.
Through the years, MCMS has had 99 presidents, who are MD and DO physicians.
Manatee County Medical Society has established the MCMS Foundation, which awards scholarships to medical students and the LifeBridge™ Physician Wellness Program, which supports physicians’ well being.
MCMS Leaders
Today, MCMS has over 350 active members. Meet the officials that lead this robust society.