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