In homage to Belgium which took the initiative in founding the precursory organization of the International Committee of Military Medicine, and organized the first International Congress of Military Medicine, the seat of the Secretariat General of the ICMM is located in Belgium.
The ICMM is an international and intergovernmental organization, constituted by more than 100 States. Major General Jules VONCKEN, MD, Belgium, was the Founder and Secretary General of International Committee of Military Medicine from 1921 to 1975, together with Captain William S. BAINBRIDGE, (US NAVY) Founder of International Committee of Military Medicine.
In 1920, after World War One had revealed the importance of a closer cooperationbetween the Armed Forces Medical Services worldwide, Captain William S. BAINBRIDGE, MD (US NAVY) and General Jules VONCKEN, MD, Belgium, suggested, at the 28th session of the US Military Officers Association (AMSUS), the creation of an international organization of the Armed Forces Medical Services.
The first international congress of military medicine and pharmacy was held in July 1921, in Brussels, Belgium. The Permanent Committee of the International Congresses of Military Medicine and Pharmacy was officially founded on July 21, 1921. The founding countries were Belgium, Brazil, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States of America.