3 2/9/50
We thought we could do a few small things here by ourselves, and this is just a beginning."
Dr. Thompson-"This is to let the public know that they can get a doctor at any time. Nothing will be said about their ability to pay. It is just to advertise what is in existence, the only change is that the Society is sponsoring it so that people cannot call up and tell the newspapers that they are unable to get a doctor. The idea, of course, is that if it is an obvious emergency for a specialist, then a specialist will be called, but if it is not an obvious specialty, then a general practitioner will be called. We propose to send this to every member of the society, asking if each member will consent to register, and if so, what they will accept calls for. There is no proposal that we guarantee they will be taken care of for nothing."
Dr. Farness-"You have a situation here they do not have in Alameda County. There are a great many transients here, and you can be run ragged."
Dr. Thompson-"if most of the doctors put their names on the list, the number of calls any one doctor will get will be pretty small."
Dr. Farness-"You don't like to get loaded up."
Dr. Thompson-"We will also include the fact that the three hospitals provide emergency service at all times. After all, it is the duty of the profession to answer emergency calls."
It was suggested that the Town Crier would advertise this, and reported that newspaper ads would cost $24.00, for both papers. It was suggested that the papers might be approached to run this ad as a public service, but Dr. Steen suggested that if it were a paid ad we could see what we are getting. Dr. Farness suggested that we might ask for a yearly rate for an ad once a month. Dr. Hayden questioned whether or not a questionnaire should be sent our before we advertise. Dr. Hayden made a motion that the Society be informed of the progress which has so far been made in this matter, and that inquiry as to what further action should be taken be made of the members at the next meeting, stating that the Board of Directors approved of the plan and refers it to the Medical Society for further action. Dr. Farness seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Dr. Lewis-"We will have to make a limit as to the amount of money we can spend on it."
Dr. Thompson-"Initial expenditure would be very small until the next meeting of the Board of Directors, and one could certainly find out about whether the papers would give us a break."
Dr. Newcomb-"I take it, Ed, that you motion implies that participation in this plan is entirely voluntary?"
Dr. Hayden-"Yes."
Dr. Thompson-"We hope that most members will join in, since there will be no hardship on any one members.
Motion carried.
Dr. Thompson-"Regarding the letter which each of you received, requesting your consideration of whether the Society wanted to do anything further at this time regarding the Alameda County Plan which you heard about last month?"
Dr. Lewis-"I do not think we can go on with the plan, since our situations are altogether different, and their group is larger."
Dr. Thompson-"It has been done in smaller societies."
Dr. Cogswell-"Does Mr. Waterson have a training school?" Dr. Thompson-"No."
Dr. Steen-"I think we should do one phase of it and when it gets going good, the get someone in to manage it later on."
Dr. Lewis-"What further would there be to do?"
Dr. Thompson-"Appoint a committee to investigate the collection end of it, as run by Alameda County Society, and what it would cost us to do it. Mr. Waterson suggested that this would be a logical initial step for this Society."
Dr. Lewis-"Mr. Bartz, who has spoken with several of us about this, figures it would mean about $100.00 per year per doctor to start."
