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

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AI that time lie intended to continue in the teaching profession and secured a position in the grammar grade school of Duhoistown. in spite of its had reputation as one difficult to control, its incor-rigihlos, some old as their teacher, succumbed to tactful management. Much insight into the behavior problems of children was gained — to he manifest in his future endeavors. Ralph M. I yson was so deeply impressed with the need for additional work for his students that he arranged a course in high school subjects. I'or three years he taught in the same capacity, turned out two graduating classes and evolved principles of pedagogy which made him one of the distinguished professors of our Medical School Faculty. THROUGHOUT his biography perseverance and determination lorm the keynote. Where most would have sought the path of least resistance and maintained a fatalistic attitude, this industrious and c apable young man sought education as a means to promulgate his ambitions. Money, not earned, was borrowed from friends to whom he gave lile insurance as security and which was repaid with interest. I he Summer vac ations during his preliminary and college years were spent working — work varying from advertising breakfast foods in different sections of the country to doing farm work —all to assure further advancement. At the age of twenty-two. he resigned his teaching position at I )uboistown and entered Bucknell University, selected for its proximity to home. Because of natural tendencies and a desire to study medicine the biologic course was selected. After the lirst year at Bucknell. Ralph M. Tyson entered Jefferson Medical College in iq11 where he spent four years of unceasing labor. 1913 marked the happy occasion when the degree of M.D. was bestowed upon him. Not content to serve a short interneship and settle down to a small country practice, this newly born Physician foresaw greater possibilities in Jefferson I fospital. where he served twenty seven months, the last six in the capacity of Chief Resident. In August. 1917. Ur. Tyson was given a commission in the United States Medical Corps and assigned to Base Hospital No. 38. from which he was sent to France where he remained one year. During that period he was stationed in a number of hospitals in various parts of the country, performing medical work at numerous Base Hospitals and the surgical shock work at the Evacuation I los-pitals in the midst of the Argonne offensive. In this latter work l)r. T yson supervised a ward of forty-five beds where was experienced the harrowing effects ol military conquest. After his discharge from the Army in 1919 Dr. 1 yson became attached to the United States Public Health Service whic h, at that time, c ared for disabled veterans and simultaneously began the prac

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Ralph M.T 'son, M.D The qualities that distinguish the world s successful men find their origin in the toil ol hard labor, conditioned by circumstances and accentuated by the desire lor progress. Repeatedly the backwoods has exerted a stimulating effect upon those ambitious enough to derive its benefits and cognizant of its limitations. Many have begun life as did tin- man to whom this book is dedicated, but none have surmounted its barriers more courageously. Born May Q. 188S. at Montgomery. Pennsylvania, the last child of a family ol eight. Ralph M. Tyson experienced difficulties which few overcome. After having received his early education in the country schools of Clinton I ovvnship. Lycoming County, he was granted at the age of fourteen, a “common school diploma. As many communities in outlying districts. Clinton Iownship could not afford a high school education to its progressive youngsters and likewise the availability of funds to permit continuance of education in high schools of neighboring towns was lacking. Undaunted, young I yson decided to learn the trade of wood carving, hoping that thereby he could pursue the mechanical arts or earn sufficient money to resume studies. I he task of working ten hours daily and studying under the tutelage of an older sister, with one goal remaining in the foreground — to seek progress — was well performed. At the age ol seventeen, sufficient funds accumulated. Ralph I yson matriculated at the Lycoming County Normal School at Muncy. Pennsylvania, where during the Summer session he completed one year’s work in high school subjects. In the Fall of that year. iQO . he entered the Junior Class of the Muncy Nigh School where not only did he fulfill the requirements ol the junior course. but also, one-half the senior course. Desirous of quickly attaining the first step toward progress he again attended the Summer session of the Normal School in i()( 6. from which institution he graduated in the same year. I he financial enigma still persisted, but resolved to proceed with a college education. Ralph M. I yson failed to wince in the face of it. I hat this might be accomplished a teaching position was sec ured in a typical red brick country schoolhouse. comprising fifty-five pupils ranging between the ages of six and seventeen. Here was acquired an admirable understanding and devotion for children. Still studying at night and attending special recitations conducted by the Principal ol the High School, he returned to the Muncy I ligh School after closure of its regular session, fulfilled the requirements for graduation and in IQO received his “ sheepskin.

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fire ol medicine during the morning and afternoon hours. I he noon-day hour was spent in the Pediatric Dispensary at Jefferson Hospital, l ie continued in the Public Health Service for three years in various capacities, as examiner, head ol the laboratory and Medical Director of the local Philadelphia Oflice. after which he tendered his resignation to devote all his time to pediatrics. I he rapidity ol ascendency to the heights of his chosen holds indicates, in some degree, the indefatigability of his eflorts as well as the keenness ol his faculties. At Jefferson he became Chief of the Outpatient Department. Associate in Pediatrics and Pediatrist to the hospital. In iQi j he was made Pediatrician to the Philadelphia Lving-ln Hospital and in 192O and 1927 Pediatrician to the Episcopal Hospital. At the same time he was Chief of the Out Patient Department ol Childrens Hospital and held a clinic in the Department ol Prevention of Diseases. In 1929 he was made Pediatrician to the Pennsylvania Hospital and consulting Pediatrician to the Shriller s Hospital lor ('rippled Children. I hree years later. 1932. marked his selection to the Professorship of Pediatrics at lemple University School of Medicine. I hroughoul this period much literature. (hie fly concerning the newborn child, was produced. I 11 OUCH devoted to Pediatrics. Dr. I yson still finds time to en- joy football and baseball in which sports he formerly participated. tennis and golf, swimming, skating and tobogganing. I lis professional associations include membership in the Phila delphia County Medical Society. Pennsylvania State Medical Society as Chairman of the Committee on Pediatric Education and American Medical Association, where he serves as Secretary of the Pediatric Section. For the past ten years. Dr. I yson has served on the Board of Directors and as Past President ol the Philadelphia Pediatric Society and was also a member of the Philadelphia Milk Commission. As a member of the Philadelphia Pathologic Society. I he Owl Abstract Club anti American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Tyson has always exhibited an active interest. Among other administrative capacities he has also served as Secretary and I reasurer and later President of the Association of American leathers of the Disease of Children. Fraternal associations include Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Literary: Alpha Kappa Kappa (President in Senior year) and Alpha Omega Alpha. Medical Honorary. I his brief biography serves to develop a learer understanding of the man to whom we look with respect and admiration as a distin guis died educator, a skillful clinician and a sincere friend—Dr. Ralph M. I yson. Professor of Pediatrics. P. P. Maciiung.