The Dauphin County Medical Society (DCMS) was established on February 20, 1866, with Dr. William W. Rutherford serving as the first President. The society was established and united with similar societies in other counties to form and maintain the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the American Medical Association. At that time, the primary purpose of DCMS was to extend medical knowledge and advance medical science; elevate and maintain the standards of medical education; uphold the ethics and dignity of the medical profession; foster partnerships between physicians and the communities they serve; and promote public health and hygiene in the prevention and management of diseases. Today, the mission includes the dissemination of medical information to members and the general public, as well as promoting collegial relationships between members.

The earliest meetings were held monthly in the offices of the various members and later in a room in the Dauphin County Court House. The cost to rent the room was $1 per month. In 1880, an arrangement was made with the School Board to hold meetings in the Chestnut Street School House with a bookcase allotted for Society use. The Executive Committee of the DCMS Board of Governors continues to meet monthly at board meetings.

The first delegates to represent Dauphin County Medical Society at the State Medical Society Meeting in 1867 were Drs. H.W. Bishoff, John Curwen, R.A. Martin, S.S. Schultz, S.W. Finley, W.M. Rutherford, and H.O. Witman. Dauphin County Medical Society continues to demonstrate a strong and active interest in the Pennsylvania Medical Society's House of Delegates meeting.

The Dauphin County Medical Society and the Harrisburg Academy of Medicine began publishing Academician in September of 1911 to announce meetings and record matters of medical interest. The publication continued in this format until 1924, when the Dauphin County Medical Society assumed the primary responsibility for the Academician. Advertising opportunities provided funds for "progressive" improvement of the pamphlet. Subsequently, the Dauphin County Medical Society began to produce a quarterly newsletter called The Reporter, a much different publication than the Academician. The Reporter endeavored to keep members informed of current medical issues on the national, state, and local levels. The Reporter provided a forum to welcome new members, discuss new and cutting-edge medical procedures of interest, and inform the readership of projects and programs undertaken by the Dauphin County Medical Society and Dauphin County Medical Society Alliance. In February 2016, the DCMS introduced its new publication, Central PA Medicine. The goal of the quarterly magazine is to connect member physicians and area patients by providing engaging, educational content on what’s happening in health care.

Many new challenges face Dauphin County Medical Society in the twenty-first century. Today’s Dauphin County Medical Society focuses on advocating for physicians, advancing quality patient care, public health, and legislative action. DCMS will continue to work diligently to provide relevant and engaging activities to its members.