CALLED TO SERVE
Falls City Medical Society , Building on a Legacy
by KANDIS ADKINS , MD
It is difficult to imagine there was ever a sicians gathered in Atlanta , Georgia to form the National Medical time when physicians of color were routinely denied admission into local , state meeting , the Medical Society of Negro Physicians , Pharmacists ,
Association ( NMA ). After Louisville hosted the third annual NMA
and even national organizations like the Dentists of Kentucky was formed . In 1902 , the original Falls City American Medical Association . It is horrific that any hospital would turn away were pivotal in the formation of Louisville ’ s Red Cross Hospital in
Medical Society was chartered , and the members of this society
non-white patients or relegate them to 1899 as well as the integration of both the University of Louisville separate , and unequal , wards with substandard care . These barriers , however , could not stamp out the Society in the 1950s .
School of Medicine ( ULSOM ) and the Jefferson County Medical
fire that burned in those committed to improving the health and This is only an inkling of the rich history inspiring so many to wellness of all patients , but especially those of similar heritage who continue the mission to end disparities in health care . As a medical were systematically disenfranchised . There was a need for African student at Indiana University , my fondest memories were made American physicians to organize , to continue learning as medicine socializing with other members of the Student National Medical evolved and to advocate for professional medical care for all people . Association ( SNMA ) and networking with the Aesculapian Medical
In the late 1800s , country-wide , numerous local , state and regional associations were budding with the same , or a very similar , organizations felt like being with family . We shared not only similar
Society , Indianapolis ’ branch of the NMA . Time spent with these
mission — to advance the art and science of medicine for people of upbringings , but experienced similar challenges in training , things African descent through education , advocacy and health policy neither family nor most colleagues could understand . Our closeknit SNMA group bonded as older classes showed us the ropes to promote health and wellness , eliminate health disparities and sustain physician viability . Our local Dr . Henry Fitzbutler , along and passed along their pearls of wisdom . The Aesculapian Society with other Black physicians from Kentucky , Indiana and Arkansas , welcomed us with open arms to their educational and networking organized the Central Medical Association in 1890 . In 1895 , 12 phy- events , sponsored our participation in regional and national SNMA
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