Irish Medical Organisation (IMO)

Description

A congress of 6l delegates from the counties assembled on the 29th May 1839 at the Royal College of Surgeons and the Irish Medical Association, a union of Physicians and Surgeons, was formed under the Presidency of Richard Carmichael.

The following resolution was passed: That it is therefore our opinion a legislative measure should be sought for by us, to unite the medical profession of Ireland into a co-operation upon such principles as shall constitute them one National Faculty, and thereby identify in feelings and interests, the greater mass of provincial practitioners with their metropolitan brethren.

However, the newly formed Association received little publicity and could not control or speak: for the majority of the divided profession. On June 7th 1853 a congress was held in Dublin which formally re-established the Association. Dr Charles Benson (1797 - 1886), Professor of Medicine in the College of Surgeons, was elected President.

In 1882, the Irish Medical Association became incorporated and in 1890, its Articles of Association were amended to read as follows,

1. To amalgamate therewith a certain existing unregistered and unincorporated association called "The Irish Medical Association" established for the same objects as those hereinafter specified.
2. To unite the members of the Medical Profession and so form a body competent to exercise influence in Sanitary and Medical Affairs for the Public Benefit, and to protect and promote the interest of the Medical Profession.
3. To watch the proceedings of Parliament upon matters affecting the interests of the Medical Profession, and to take action with regard to same, with the object of promoting its views amongst the Members of Parliament.
4. To inform the members of the Association as occasion may require of all matters affecting the interests of the Profession and so afford them an opportunity of expressing their opinions and offering any suggestions they think fit.
5. To obtain, when considered necessary, legal advice as to the interpretation of the Law upon matters involving the interests of the Profession and as it may seem expedient, to institute legal proceedings for the purpose of obtaining judicial decisions thereon.
6. To arbitrate in disputes between individual members of the Profession, when such arbitration may be requested.
7. To do all such lawful things as are or may or shall be incidental or conductive to the attainment of the above objects or any of them.

The newly constituted Irish Medical Association made provision for reciprocal membership with the Provincial Medical and Surgical Associations, the forerunner of the BMA. From 1890, the Association worked in harmony with the British Medical Association and it became obvious that amalgamation between the two was desirable in order to avoid overlapping and wasted effort.

Member benefits

Your interests are protected at national and local level
You will receive advice on disputes, disciplinary hearings, appeals and industrial tribunals, with representation where appropriate
You can avail of a medico-legal and taxation advisory service if required
You can avail of advice on superannuation problems
You will receive the IMO Annual Report and Financial Statement
You will receive the Irish Medical Journal
You will receive an invitation to the IMO AGM and various other conferences and seminars
You can avail of advantageous membership schemes through IMOS with substantial savings
Terms and conditions of employment
Salary rates
Health and safety advice
Disciplinary proceedings
Grievance handling
Dispute resolution at local level
International medical affairs
Taxation
Access to a range of financial services at a discounted rate
A forum for doctors to extend contacts and share information and views
Group VHI Scheme ( 10% discount)
The Irish Medical Journal