Temple University School of Medicine - Skull Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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Hospital and Medical School FROM the Medical Department of Temple College in 1901 to the present Schcx)l of Medicine is a far cry indeed. The significance of these words is, perhaps, only fully appreciated by those members of the faculty who played a part in the humble and inauspicious beginnings of the school, and who have survived to witness the truly remarkable fruition of a noble man's faith and vision. The story of the Medical School is woven inseparably with that of Temple University Hospital and it is, therefore, fitting and expedient that these institutions be considered together. From their very inceptions they have been characterized by that state of constant flux which is indicative of healthy growth, a growth that still continues. And we must not forget that the development of the medical center was but concomitant with the astonishing growth of Temple University, conceived in the idealism and love of Russell H. Con well. In 1891, Dr. Conwell, with characteristic foresight, acquired the hospital destined to form the nucleus of the clinical teaching of the medical school, as yet unfounded. He saved from dissolution the North Philadelphia Hospital”, which had heen established a year before by a society of physicians, who now found themselves unable to bear the financial burden. Manifesting his unusual ability to interest others in his benevolent enterprises. Dr. Conwell was able to purchase a brick dwelling, which was the second house north of Ontario Street on the east side of Broad Street. And so, on January 30, 1892, The Samaritan Hospital” was dedicated under a new staff. A year later, a state charter was obtained, and in 1896 the addition of a rear annex and other modifications increased the original capacity of 20 beds to 40. A twin dwelling on the corner was added to the rapidly growing hospital in 1898. In the Spring of 1901, in response to the appeals of a small group of students eager to obtain a medical education and yet remain self-supporting, the Board of Trustees of Temple College determined to establish an evening medical school. A faculty of 20 professors, lecturers, and demonstrators was gathered under the deanship of Dr. Fritz, and a curriculum of five years, with 700 hours of required daytime instruction, was outlined. The class of 31 students met at the main college building at Broad and Berks Streets, and in lofts and basements and whatever spare rooms could be found in the old buildings that housed the Samaritan Hospital. In 1904, two men who had been admitted to advanced standing comprised the first graduating class, and in 1905, two more, similarly admitted, were graduated. Dr. 1. Newton Snively became dean in 1903, and in 1906, a class of 14 men, the first to receive their entire medical education in the Medical Department of Temple College, was graduated. Meanw'hile, the hospital was making significant advances. In 1901, the state made a building grant to the hospital, and a one-story central building for administrative purposes and a three-story north wing were erected in 1903. Because of the recent affiliation with the new Medical School, the staff was reorganized. Dr. I. Newton Snively, the medical dean, Dr. Wolfe, and Dr. Boardman Reed were the chief 17

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Temple University Hospital

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Temple University Medical School