Join other healthcare professionals in London for research, education, CPD and networking at SMC’s next international medical conference, 19–22 December 2026.
The history of Santa Maria College dates back to 1944 when a group of members of the Association of Health Care Professionals (AHCP) who were interested in research and education discussed about establishing a research and education consortium called Santa Maria Research Consortium (SMRC). The process continued in 1945 when the consortium was formed and its role was presented during the scientific meeting of AHCP in Germany in 1946. As the work of the SMRC progressed, it was agreed that a college will be established to provide educational activities with research and innovation. Hence, from 1947, Santa Maria Consortium and later, College (SMC) was established as a membership service of the AHCP in Europe and other continents.
During the 1960s to the 2020s, there were also demands from the United Kingdom (UK) members for SMC to be established in the UK. To this end, the AHCP General Committee and Council approved for this to be done in 2021.
History and Origin of the Name of Santa Maria College
Following the requests of the membership of the Association of Health Care Professionals (AHCP) to set up colleges and academies in order to fulfill one of it’s objectives in promoting excellence in education and professional development for healthcare professionals, a working committee was established by the Council and General Committee for this purpose. From 1944 to 1946, the Committee met to discuss this plan during the Annual Scientific meetings of the Association in Germany, Europe. The Joint Events Team organised the meeting venues at the events facilities in Santa Maria Churches between 1944 and 1946.
During the initial proposal meeting of 1946, it was agreed by the Committee that the name of the college that will be established in 1947 will be called Santa Maria College. Thus, in 1947, the Association launched Santa Maria College as one of its membership services.
Details of the history and origin of the name of Santa Maria College can be found via: https://www.santamariacollege.org.uk/about-us/history-of-the-name-of-santa-maria-college/
Santa Maria College (SMC) supports excellence in medical education, professional development and research. Based in London, SMC is one of the Membership Services of the Association of Health Care Professionals (AHCP) for promoting quality in education and research, and provides learning opportunities and events for healthcare professionals and students, including medical education courses, medical conferences and healthcare professional development. As a membership service of the Association of Health Care Professionals (AHCP), SMC works with organisations including the International Association of Health Care Professionals Society. Its work promotes high standards in patient care, medical practice, research, innovation and education.
SMC offers medical conferences and clinical education courses that bring healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and various other allied healthcare professionals, together to explore developments in practice and learning.
For doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals and students seeking continuing education, SMC provides courses, educational events and opportunities to take part in medical conferences with CPD available. Topics include healthcare research and innovation, medical specialty topics and updates, public health and global health issues.
Santa Maria College is committed to supporting quality education, research and training, and to contributing to the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Through its courses, conferences and collaborations, SMC encourages informed discussion and continued professional learning.
For information about courses, conferences or membership, contact conferences@santamariacollege.org.uk or call +44 7425 433734.
SMC Commitments to the United Nations 2030 Agenda
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