Our Story

The Singapore Society of Rheumatology (SSR) traces its origins to February 1976. Originally known as the Singapore Society of Immunology and Rheumatology (SSIR), the Society was established following the 3rd Congress of the South East Asia and Pacific League Against Rheumatism (SEAPAL), held in Singapore from 22 to 25 February 1976 under the sponsorship of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. The Congress generated proceeds of approximately S$40,000, which were donated to the Academy and subsequently used to establish the SSIR later that year.

In its early years, the Society’s presidents and committee members worked tirelessly to promote interest, education and research in rheumatology and immunology in Singapore. Internationally renowned rheumatologists were invited to Singapore to speak at Continuing Medical Education (CME) events, several of which were organised in collaboration with the Chapter of Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore. The Ministry of Health, Singapore, also supported these efforts by sponsoring medical officers and trainees to participate in the Society’s various educational activities.

These early initiatives laid the foundations for the development of rheumatology as a specialty in Singapore and for the Society’s subsequent growth into the Singapore Society of Rheumatology of today.