Courses
The Society of Apothecaries established the Faculty of the History and Philosophy of Medicine and Pharmacy in 1959 as a separate academic body with charitable status. Membership is open to any individuals or organisations with an interest in this specialist field.
The Faculty plays an increasingly important role in the education of both undergraduates and postgraduates, offering courses and examinations and appointing lecturers to medical schools. The Faculty is involved in a wide range of academic and social activities for both medical professionals and laypeople, awards academic prizes, and presents a programme of prestigious lectures throughout the year.
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Courses
Our annual courses in the The History of Medicine and The Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine are now on sale for the 2026/27 academic year.
Taking place from 10 October 2026- 7 June 2027, the courses will be a blend of in-person and online with pre or post-recorded materials and will be accessible after the course days.
There are no prequisites to apply. All of our courses are open to both qualified professionals and anyone with an interest in the subject.
The History of Medicine (DHMSA)
Course Director: Dr Anna Simmons, PhD, MChem
The 2026/27 course is now on sale via our website
Contact AcademicTraining@apothecaries.org for more information or check out our History of Medicine Course Brochure.
You can view the 2025-26 programme here DHMSA Programme 2025-2026
The Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine (DPMSA)
Course Director: Mr Pete Young, M.Bioethics
The 2026-27 Course is now on sale via our website.
Please see our Ethics and Philosophy Brochure
You can view our Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine Programme for 2025-26 here
(Subject to change)
Prizes
The Osler Lecture is delivered to the student in the DHMSA Examination who gives the best Test Lecture and The Sydney Selwyn Lecture is offered to the student who performs best in the DPMSA examination
The Rose Prize: Presented jointly by the Society through the Faculty and the Royal College of General Practitioners for the most outstanding piece of original research relating to the history of British general practice.
Faculty of the History and Philosophy of Medicine and Pharmacy (within the Centre for Health Studies)
Contact: AcademicTraining@apothecaries.org
Telephone: 020 7236 1189
