College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Office of the President

The Office of the President of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia is first described in the 1787 constitution. The constitution gives the President "power to call extraordinary Meetings whenever important, or unexpected Business shall require, of which he shall be the Judge". The constitution also authorizes the president to call a special session when requested by at least six Fellows. According to the 1834 by-laws, the president was responsible for presiding at College meetings and signing orders from the treasurer. In 1882, the president was given "general supervision of the affairs of the College" and was required to present an annual address.

In 1886, President S. Weir Mitchell secured the right to be informed of all committee meetings and to attend them if he wished. In 1925, the president was granted ex-officio membership in all standing committees and had the power to elect most committee members. The first limit on the president's term was instituted in the 1935 by-laws, which state that no president may serve more than three years in a row. Additional changes in the Office of the President did not occur until 1972. The by-laws of this year state that the president must publish his annual address, submit a yearly summary of the activities of the College, and "appoint all standing committees and designate the Chairmen".

The president's term was again restricted in the 1984 by-laws, which state that the president is limited to one two-year term. As of 1991, the president presides at meetings, appoints committees and defines their duties, serves as an ex-officio member on all committees, and has "all other duties and powers usually pertaining to the office".