The Lee County Medical Society is offering the public a free directory of Lee County physicians as a reference for patients looking for referrals to local doctors.

“This is a great resource for residents new to area looking for a family physician as well as current residents looking for a physician in a specialized field,” said Ann Wilke, Lee County Medical Society executive director.

The 2009-2010 membership directory contains information for all active members of the Lee County Medical Society.

Due to shipping costs, the Lee County Medical Society is unable to mail the directories. However, residents can pick up a free directory at the Lee County Medical Society office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The office is located at 3805 Fowler Street, Suite 2, in Fort Myers.

Established in 1927, the Lee County Medical Society (LCMS) represents every medical specialty in Lee County through its 600 members. The LCMS provides the community with a referral service, grievance committee, speaker’s bureau and a Web site to be used as a resource to find a physician. To its members, the LCMS provides support and advocacy including advocacy for medical and health laws and continuing medical education.

Physicians eligible for membership include doctors of medicine or osteopathy who have satisfactorily completed an internship and/or residency program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association. Membership in the association is voluntary and requires physicians to undergo a credential screening process, which includes verification of a physician’s medical education background.