Congratulations!
FROM THE PRESIDENT
pitals, African-American physicians were not allowed to practice in these facilities. Though well trained and competent, African-American physicians were denied privileges, because privileges were contingent upon membership in the local and state medical society. Thus, this restriction resulted in African-American physicians being denied access to their patients, educational opportunities and quality facilities in which to practice.
The continuations of these restrictions were themselves a fascinating piece of circular logic. Within its bylaws, membership in the Jefferson County Medical Society was restricted to white physicians only. Membership in the Kentucky Medical Association was predicated upon membership in the local medical society, and membership in the American Medical Association required membership in the state medical society. Though discussed, the AMA was not going to act without guidance from the state and local organizations.
The question of revoking the whites-only bylaw in JCMS was taken up in 1945 and was passed. However, because of a question of parliamentary procedure, the vote was revisited and the proposal to strike out the whites-only provision was rejected. At the time, a representative from JCMS stated that“ since segregation still existed in schools and churches, the society was‘ not quite ready’ to admit Negroes”. He then also said“ it would not have been proper to force Negro membership on the KMA”.
In 1952, Dr. Adam Robinson, President of the Falls City Medical Society( the local African-American Medical Society and National Medical Association affiliate in Louisville), while petitioning for revoking of the bylaw said,“ If part of the population is handicapped, then the general whole is handicapped.” It was his opinion, and one to which we may all agree, that this de facto hospital segregation had the net effect of stifling the growth of African-American physicians, compromising the community’ s access to physicians, and negatively impacting the health of the entire community.
Apparently, Dr. Robinsons’ words were persuasive. Sixty-five years ago, Dr. Maurice
Rabb, an anesthesiologist, became the first African-American to become a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society, and today I stand as the first African-American president. Clearly, since then, we have made great progress.
I discuss these past events, which took place before most of our members were even born, not to fight old battles, but to remind us from where we have come. Perhaps, the events of today will be no more than a footnote in history, and that could be a good thing. Yet, if for no other reasons than to pay homage to the works of Drs. Fitzbutler, Merchant, Whedbee, Scott, Robinson, Rabb and the names of too many physicians who came before me, all those who wanted to be physicians but didn’ t have the opportunity, and those who sacrificed so much to make it possible for me to be here today, I will take the time to celebrate this occasion and hope that I will make all of them proud.
Dr. Tuckson is a practicing colon and rectal surgeon.
Congratulations!
Celebra�ng 10 Years of Service
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Congra��la�on� �o Brenda Wallace, CPA, CMPE on being named C�ie� E�ec���e ��cer�
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6 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE