Shortly after the inauguration of the Academy of Medicine in 1957, the idea of bringing out a journal to be called the "Annals" was considered. It was not until in 1972 that a regular quarterly publication entitled the Annals of the Academy of Medicine was possible. To serve the different specialist disciplines that are embodied in the Academy of Medicine, the Annals has orientated its issues to cover various specialised topics. The contribution of Guest Editors has enhanced the scope of the Annals, thereby enabling it to serve the wide-ranging interests of its members. The listing of the Annals in the Index Medicus in 1979 was an important milestone in the development of the Annals. With the appointment of a full-time Editorial Assistant in 1981, the Annals is now on a much firmer footing to establish itself as a journal of international repute.