Since its inaugural meeting in 1970, the Society for the Social History of Medicine (SSHM) has pioneered inter-disciplinary approaches to the history of health, welfare, medical science and practice. Consequently, its membership consists of those interested in a variety of disciplines, including history, public health, demography, anthropology, sociology, social administration and health economics.

The Society holds a biennial conference, the results of which were originally summarised in the Bulletin of the Society for the Social History of Medicine (1970-87). As interest and membership in the Society grew, the Bulletin evolved into Social History of Medicine (1988-), a journal published by Oxford University Press, and The Gazette, an accompanying newsletter reporting on conferences and other relevant news.

In 1987, following a number of Society-sponsored publications, SSHM also launched a series of edited volumes, currently published by Manchester University Press. Since 2001 the Society has accepted single-authored monographs for the series as well.

Though primarily based in the United Kingdom, the Society has always had a thriving international membership, and Social History of Medicine has continued to expand its international coverage, reflecting the growing number of subscribers who are outside the UK.

The SSHM is a charitable organisation registered in the UK.
Charity Registration Number: 278414