The Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation (CSCI) was founded in 1951, to provide a forum for the exchange of clinical scientific information. It still fulfils that mandate but has evolved to include the active promotion of clinical science and lobbying for its support with the federal and provincial governments.

One of the society's goals is to affirm the central, unique role of the clinical investigator in Canadian academic medicine. To this end the CSCI develops new programs and supports existing programs that foster the career track of trainees in clinical investigation. The society also sponsors an extensive awards program.

The CSCI holds a conjoint annual meeting with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and assures the scientific content of the meeting.

Clinical and Investigative Medicine, now owned and managed by the Canadian Medical Association, is the official journal of the CSCI, which retains editorial input.

In addition, the CSCI News Bulletin is published twice annually to inform members of the Society's current and upcoming activities and to profile CSCI award recipients. Members are also encouraged to contribute news-worthy items.