The history of the Academia Nacional de Medicina (National Academy of Medicine – ANM) is intertwined with the history of Brazil itself and plays a key and active role in helping to advance the practice of medicine in the country. Established under the reign of Emperor Dom Pedro I on June 30, 1829, the
institution changed its name twice, but its purpose remains the same: to contribute to the study, discussion, and progress of medicine, surgery, public health, and related sciences, in addition to serving as an advisory body on health and medical education-related matters to the Brazilian government.
Since its establishment, its members have gathered every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. to discuss current medical topics in sessions open to the general public. This assembly is responsible for turning the ANM into the oldest and sole scientific organization fully dedicated to health that has promoted regular and continuous meetings for so long. Additionally, the Academy fosters national and international conferences, continuing education programs and refresher courses. Moreover, each year, more specifically during its anniversary session, the ANM awards prizes to non-Academy member physicians and researchers.
