The International Museum of Surgical Science (IMSS) Is a division of the International College of Surgeons (ICS) and officially opened its doors in 1954.

The International College of Surgeons

• ICS is a global organization dedicated to promoting the excellence of surgeons and surgical specialists worldwide.

• The College's mission is to improve patients' lives by developing and educating its members and advancing the medical field.

• Three financial bodies of the organization: The ICS Journal, Membership, and IMSS

• The College's core activities include International Meetings, Humanitarian Surgery, International Collaborations, the ‘International Surgery’ Journal, and the International Museum of Surgical Science.

Founded in 1935 in Geneva by Dr. Max Thorek

• Dr. Thorek was an American surgeon born in 1880 in Hungary. He began his university training in Budapest, but his family emigrated to Chicago after his brother was killed in the war. Thorek attended the University of Chicago and Rush Medical College. In 1908, he established the American Hospital, now named the Thorek Memorial Hospital. Thorek specialized in reconstructive surgery and perfected a technique to significantly reduce the mortality rate in gallbladder operations.

The International Museum of Surgical Science, a division of the International College of Surgeons, maintains over 10,000 square feet of public galleries committed to the history of surgery and an exquisite permanent collection of art and artifacts from the history of Medicine. The Museum supports its Mission through medically themed exhibitions and programs and a vital contemporary art exhibition program. The Mission of the Museum is to enrich people’s lives by enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the history, development, and advances in surgery and related subjects in health and medicine.