The Medical Council is the executive branch of Northwestern University Medical School. Its primary purpose is to manage the internal affairs of the school, formulating and administering policy. Recommendations on appointments and other important issues are channeled through the President to the Board of Trustees for approval, modification, or rejection.
Established in 1906 by University Trustees, the Medical Council served as an Advisory Council that would represent the main divisions of the medical curriculum. Also, the board was to include those members of the Faculty who had been longest identified with the work of medical education. This body, meeting first on July, 1906, was an extension of the previous Executive Committee. Nine faculty members (not including the Dean) were chosen for the council. In 1909, the group officially changed its name to Medical Council. Members of the Council were originally elected, but annual membership soon became appointive. During the 1940s, membership averaged approximately 30, including the president of the University and the Dean of Faculties.
From the guide to the Records of the Northwestern University Medical School Medical Council, 1914-1949, (Northwestern University Archives)
