Duval County Medical Society Hundreth Birthday 1853-1953

Membership Roster of 1953 Jacksonville Florida

George A. Smathers

THE VOLUNTARY PLAN VERSUS COMPULSORY

ONE of the major problems which physicians of Florida faced in the 1940's was that of so-called socialized medicine. Politicians stringing along with the new deal were almost fanatical in their fight to establish an ideology that most members of the medical profession contended un-american. Senator Claude Pepper from Florida was in the vanguard of those eager and even determined to establish the principles of socialized medicine. An orator of outstanding ability, Senator Pepper used the radio and widely read publications to spread his teaching throughout the length and breadth of the nation.

On November 18, 1948 Senator Pepper and Dr. Frank G. Slaughter, chairman of the public relations committee of the Florida Medical Association, met in Jacksonville to debate the question: "Should Congress Enact Compulsory Health Insurance Legislation?" Sponsors were members of the Jacksonville Junior Chamber of Commerce. Each speaker handled his subject well; the sparks fairly flew.

Senator Pepper was invited to present his views before the Duval County Medical Society. He made an interesting and persuasive talk on the night of February 2, 1949. The members of the Society, their wives and guests listened to him attentively, and courteously. Following his presentation there was a minimum amount of discussion.

In the final portion of the long fight, members of the medical profession in Florida, south, north, east and west, fought with a will and were ably supported by the Woman's Medical Auxiliaries to the County Societies and state association.

Result of Primary Election, May 2, 1950: Pepper: 319,754; Smathers: 387,215.

THE SOCIETY IS FOUNDED

ON the evening of May 25, 1853, physicians of Jacksonville met in the office of William J. L'Engle, organized an association and named it the Duval County Medical Society. Dr. John S. Murdoch was elected president, Dr. W. J. L'Engle secretary, and Dr. Richard P. Daniel treasurer.

Dr. A. S. Baldwin, a leader of the small medical group in Jacksonville at that time, was largely responsible for the founding and organization of the society. Drs. Baldwin, H. D. Holland and J. G. Dell also became charter members.

The Duval County Medical Society, first and only medical society in Florida for two decades, thus was born in the Republican Building on Bay Street at the Southwest corner of Market on May 25, 1853. Founding of the Florida Medical Association, for which the Duval County Medical Society was largely responsible, did not take place until 21 years later.