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

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Walt er 3k omas Clarion, (Jr., Cl. CB. Philadelphia, Pa. 15th and Locust Sts.. Philadelphia. Pa. Princeton University Temple University Hospital Temple University Hospital

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TO THE CLASS OF 194S: During the past four years you have been preparing yourselves for the practice of medicine. There are many ideas as to how medicine should be practiced and your minds are probably in a state of confusion as to the type you will follow. Twenty-five years ago the physician was the family doctor. Life was infinitely simpler than it is today. Technically, medical science was still undeveloped, necessary equipment was simple and inexpensive. The costs of medical care were so low that it was available to almost the entire population. Since that day when the doctor with his little black bag was the sole dispenser of the healing art medical science has made great progress. This progress has increased the cost of medical care to such an amount that today large sections of the population are unable to purchase the medical services they need. In some parts of this country technical facilities are not available even though a patient can afford to pay for them. There is no doubt as to the need of adjustment in the distribution of medical service. The public as well as the medical profession is deeply concerned as to how this may be brought about. Some suggest that it may be affected through public services; others suggest voluntary or compulsory insurance; still another group recommend a combination of all of these plans. One thing is certain; as physicians of tomorrow you will practice medicine under different conditions than now prevail. The greatest present need of our profession is for intelligent leadership and as young men. you should study the problem and do something about it. Personally, I strongly advise you against supporting any system of Political Medicine. Political Medicine never has been and never will be successful. The sick patient must not be victimized “by the insolence of office and the laws of delay . Medicine should have no tie-up with politics. The plan which offers the greatest promise for better distribution of medical care is one which calls for an extension of voluntary insurance for hospital care and the physician’s services. Medicine has become so specialized that to be efficient it must be practiced by well organized groups. Quantity production has improved automobiles and reduced their cost. The day of the cobbler has passed. If shoes were made in the old way they would be too expensive because of the time consumed in making them, also there would not he enough to supply the need, so too the practice of medicine has changed, and new and better methods must be introduced to provide adequate services for all. I strongly advise, you. if it is at all possible, to join a medical group, not only because it is the most efficient way to practice but in order that your services may reach more people and as w ith the automobiles and shoes, the cost of medical care be reduced and the quality of the service improved. May I take this opportunity of wishing you courage to face the great responsibilities and obligations you assume when accepting your diploma. 1 am confident you will be a credit to yourselves, your families, and vour Alma Mater. Cordially yours. William N. Parkinson. M.D. Dean 12

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fbdward (John (Bacsik Trenton, N. J. 456 Home Ave., Trenton, N. J. Villanova College Saint Francis’ Hospital, Trenton, N. J. Saint Francis’ Hospital, Trenton, N. J. General Practice