We noted that scientific meetings were limited to gun-barreled topics and seemed to be repetitious in program and format. We continually received the same information from meeting to meeting, without a hint of improving medical care. We perceived a need for associated information to unite our scholarly wisdom with humanistic horizons. We believed this would result in an image transformation. No longer would the physician be viewed as a cynical, cold, uncaring, mechanical, materialistic, scientific robot. The doctor now would be seen as warm, caring, compassionate and humanistic, attributes our patients expect and deserve.

At that time Professor Dr. Fritz Zimmer of Munich, Germany, was enrolled in a post-graduate fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. We met Fritz at some social affairs and our ideas were exchanged. Fritz offered to host meetings in Munich and Austria. This was a welcomed proposition, partly because we had considered international meetings in order to enhance interest in our new group. While on a European skiing vacation in 1968, our family visited Fritz and his wife Hannelore in Munich. They invited us to attend a Fasching party, and what a surprise and a natural idea for our newly proposed group! On the Mad Loch piste, between Zurs and Lech in the Arlberg, Fritz and I decided that with excitement that our ideas would work! We considered naming the group the International Aspen Alps and Andes Society, but had better thoughts.

Seeds for a new organization were planted. In London, we visited with Professor John Beasley, a non-skier. He also expressed interest in our newly contemplated group. Likewise, at a Central Travel Club meeting in Oklahoma, Professor Jim Merrill encouraged the formation of a new group, one that would enjoy skiing as well as expanding medical horizons. The concept of our proposed group was discussed among colleagues at various medical conferences, including members of the Central Travel Club, The Central Association of OB/GYN and the Continental Gynecologic Society. In the fall of 1968, there was an excellent scientific meeting presented to the Central Travel Club at the University of Louisville. Immediately following, while on a rainy bus ride to Lexington, Kentucky, members noted the lack of non-technical information of the type that would enhance the value of our gatherings. My idea to organize a meeting to combine skiing with scholastic growth gain was mentioned, and soon my colleagues and I were challenged to organize the proposed group.

In February 1969, six interested physicians and their wives were invited to Aspen for an initial board of directors meeting to found what was later ISFAHSIG. Our weeklong meeting took place in the shadow of the "Aspen Institute" where humanistic studies were being promoted. It was suggested that we take a "page" out of their so-called "book," incorporating humanistic programs for our group. From the beginning, wives of board members listened to deliberations from the Aspen house kitchen and became very vocal with their suggestions. And we listened! They proposed equal membership status and recognition, and they were encouraged to attend all meetings. Interested children also were invited to attend meetings, and their involvement was supported. Thus autonomy was established for all family members. All agreed. The roots had been established and were beginning to grow. We decided to set the date of the first meeting for 1970 in Aspen.

The founding Board of Directors included: David G. Anderson, M.D., William B. Goddard, M.D., James A. Merrill, M.D., Richard M. Moore, M.D., Lloyd V. Shields, M.D., and Charles J. Smith, M.D. (Dr Smith was an Oncologist and a non-skier. During the founders meeting he wrote the bylaws that mostly remain today.) Each director solicited new members by personal contact and letters. Later, an international lawyer was chosen to incorporate our tax-free organization. He, incidentally, became an original member. The early annual membership fee was $50.00. We could not believe our favorable response! At the first meeting, over 60 people came, most staying the Aspen Meadows, a lodge just down the street our house. The Hospitality Room was our kitchen!

We were fortunate to have Vera Drose as our secretary at the original Board of Directors meeting and for years to follow. Vera previously had resigned from medical school after two years due to financial reasons and continued to have interest in medical affairs. She later became entwined with the secretarial duties of our new organization and helped to coordinate information for members. She was highly respected by all members and was a great public relations representative. Unfortunately, she died from cancer after many years of faithful commitment. We lost a true friend.

We selectively incorporated some of the best features of other groups. The Hospitality Room was a must. The President's dinner became tradition. The picnic started in the Divide Parking Lot at Snowmass, which no longer exists, but at the time was accessible by car. Arlene organized the food and wine, I opened the tailgate of my Jeep station wagon, and we cooked the hamburgers and hash browns on my propane stove! The Fasching party (a German Pre-Lenten celebration, similar to Mardi Gras) was established as a special social event from our experience in Munich. What great times we all had and what special characters have participated in our adventure.

Our intention of discussing timely, provocative medical and social subjects was made evident at our first meeting in 1970. Dr. Merrill, head of the OB/GYN Department of the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, was responsible for the speakers and topics. One such topic was "Sexual Revolution-Fact or Fantasy?" presented by Associate Professor Irving Cushner, M.D. of Johns Hopkins University. Also, Ms. Virginia Bush, medical student from the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, spoke on "The Feminist Movement Today." Another timely subject presented was "The Beginning of Life" by Dr. Zimmer of the University of Munich. The next controversial topic was "Therapeutic Abortion in Denver" by Harvey M. Cohen M.D. of Denver.

These subjects were far ahead of their time and were very instructive. We were fortunate to have Dr. Merrill to continue organizing programs that followed for several years. All were timely and stimulating. Much remembered and still discussed was the presentation by author and radical feminist, Ellen Frankfort. Her book, published in 1972, Vaginal Politics, challenged physicians and their care of women. The provocative nature of topics and discussions continued as intended.

The next major step taken by the Society occurred in 1994. At this time, it appeared that the membership was beginning to decline somewhat, with the change in the medical environment with capitation and managed medical care, and the subsequent monetary and time restrictions felt by present and certainly future members. In order to continue the traditions of the Society with respect to ethics and humanism, Secretary/Treasurer Bruce Richards proposed the formation of a Long-Range Planning Committee, with the specific purpose of ensuring longevity of the Society by increasing membership and broadening the base of the membership by inviting new members in other fields. He proposed a name change to The International Society for Advancement of Humanistic Studies in Medicine. This was referred to the Executive Committee for further discussion, and considered by the By-Laws Committee. The Board of Directors on March 4, 1995 in Snowmass, voted unanimously to accept new wording in the by-laws to reflect the Society's name change. This was approved by the membership at the Business Meeting on March 10, 1995. We were now ISFAHSIM!

In summary, the seeds for new humanistic, futuristic and stimulating programs were planted among our colleagues. Culmination occurred on a rainy day bus ride with the Central Travel Club, from Louisville to Lexington. Dr. Goddard and I, both from Denver, were challenged to organize the meeting concept. The seeds began to sprout and definite organizational action by the original founders was necessary.

Today our humanistic society continues to blossom and fulfill our original aims and ideals. Due to the initial need for improving our own horizons as physicians, we have upgraded our compassion for patients and improved medical care. At the same time, we all have become better humanistic persons, parents, spouses and individuals. Members of the original board congratulate all members of the society that have continued to uphold and promote the ideals and goals of ISFAHSIM.

Lloyd V. Shields, MD

At the 2004 meeting in Park City, the Officers, Board and membership voted to change the name of the Society. Names were circulated to the membership for a vote. The membership voted for Society for Humanism in Medicine (SHIM), and the Officers and Board then voted to effect the change. This became official on the date that the Secretary of State of the State of Colorado amended the Articles of Incorporation.