American Medicine Volume 17 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 Excerpt: ... credit where credit belongs, and as earnest, appreciative members of a worthy organization to voice the hope that the changes essential to its future progress--perhaps very existence--may be undertaken before it is too late. Membership in the American Medical Association should be one of the most highly prized affiliations that an American physician can enter into. It is estimated that over 100,000 men in active practice can become eligible to such membership and that nearly 80,000 already are eligible, that is, are members in good standing in the county medical societies. While at first blush the fact that only 33,960 physicians have availed themselves of national membership would seem to be a sad commentary on professional zeal and interest, as has previously been said, the real reason for such apparent delinquency can certainly be found in the present system of organization. "Why should I join the A. M. A.?" asks a well known New York physician. "I am a member of the County and State medical societies and I subscribe to the Journal." "Why," he was told, "you should join to contribute your share to the work, to lend your influence to its enterprises, to help elect delegates to its House of Delegates, to hold office and to be able to attend its meetings." A rather sardonic smile crept across his face. "Well," he said, "I pay five dollars annually as subscription to the Journal. Members pay no more, so I guess I contribute as much as anyone to the work. As for helping to elect delegates, my vote counts as much as any Association member's in the County Medical Society, the only opportunity any of us have to vote on any subject. Finally, I can attend the annual meetings, if I want to, and I usually do. A...