Our History: Advancing Adolescent Health Since 1968

The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) was founded in 1968 by a pioneering group of health professionals who shared a belief that was still emerging within medicine: adolescence is a distinct and critical period of human development, and young people deserve health care designed specifically around their needs.

At the time, the health needs of adolescents often fell between the traditional boundaries of pediatrics and adult medicine. SAHM’s founders sought to change that. On April 28, 1968, representatives from adolescent clinics across the United States and Canada came together and unanimously agreed to establish the Society for Adolescent Medicine (SAM).

From the beginning, the Society was created not simply to bring together professionals interested in adolescent medicine, but to advance an emerging field. Its founding goals included improving the quality of medical care for adolescents; expanding research into adolescent growth, development, and health conditions; encouraging the creation of dedicated adolescent health services; and strengthening the education and training of professionals caring for young people.

The Society also provided something the growing field urgently needed: a professional community. Its founders envisioned an organization where those working in adolescent medicine could exchange knowledge, discuss challenges in research, education, and clinical practice, develop professional educational programs, disseminate information, encourage careers in the field, and gather annually to learn from one another.

From Adolescent Medicine to Adolescent Health

As understanding of adolescence grew, so did the Society.

What began as an organization primarily centered on medical care evolved into the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM), reflecting a broader understanding of the many factors that shape the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults and the many disciplines required to address them.

Today, SAHM brings together an international, multidisciplinary community working across clinical care, research, education, public health, advocacy, and professional development. While the Society has evolved considerably since 1968, the fundamental purpose envisioned by its founders remains at its core: improving the health and well-being of adolescents by advancing the knowledge, care, services, and professional community dedicated to them.

More than five decades later, SAHM continues to build upon that foundation—advancing science and clinical practice, strengthening the professionals who serve adolescents and young adults, advocating for their health and well-being, and helping ensure that their unique developmental needs are recognized and addressed.

The field has changed. The Society has grown. But the conviction that inspired SAHM’s creation remains: adolescents and young adults deserve developmentally appropriate, evidence-based care and a professional community committed to advancing their health and well-being.