College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Censors.

The office of the censors of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia was established in the 1787 constitution and charter. The charter states that four censors were to be elected annually on the first Tuesday in July. Initially, the censors were reponsible for inspecting records, examining accounts and expenditures, and preparing an annual report which they presented to the college. Perhaps the most significant role of the censors was to consider and determine all charges concerning breaches of conduct among members. After hearing the evidence involved, the censors presented recommendations for action to the College.

The censors' responsibilities were modified significantly in 1972. Although still involved in disciplinarian matters, the censors also handled members' requests for remission of dues, submitted names of candidates for Honorary Fellowship and Honorary Associate Fellowship, and recommended memorial tributes for deceased members. This latter duty, although performed by the censors for over a century, did not become an official part of the by-laws until 1972. As of 1991, the censors remain active in the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.