June 13, 1950, Board of Directors Meeting.
It was Dr. Laidlaw's thought that the Medical Society might wish to appoint an orthopedic man to help work out a program in this connection. She also wondered whether it might not be a good idea to ask individual children or their parents to pay twenty-five of fifty cents for this service, thinking this might stimulate people to keep their appointments with the doctors, which has been a problem.
Dr. Harry Thompson suggested that Dr. Laidlaw draw up tentative plans for what will be needed and have this ready by September.
Dr. Hugh Thompson said that he believed Dr. Laidlaw wished to know whether there was any reasonable likelihood of the Society's cooperating next year, and inquired whether anyone present had heard of any criticisms.
Dr. Laidlaw said that the main problem during the past year had been broken appointments, which caused the doctors distress. She also wanted the doctors to know that she quoted half prices when there was any question about fees, and asked whether the same fee schedule should be retained for the next year.
Dr. Harry Thompson moved that the Society accept Dr. Laidlaw's report, commend her on her work this past year, and give our tentative approval on this plan until it is accepted by the society at the Fall meeting.
Motion was seconded by Dr. Hewitt and carried.
Dr. Hugh Thompson reported for the Blood Bank Committee, saying that he believed he had been criticized because he brought this matter up before the Society at the last regular meeting, but that he had been requested to do so in order that it might be brought out on the floor. Following the last regular meeting, Dr. Farness and Dr. Thompson had lunch with Mr. Stofft to see what the present attitude of the Red Cross was. He stated that Mr. Stofft did not commit himself, but asked several other doctors in the Society and several doctors from outlying communities to a dinner at which was discussed in detail the history, virtues and operation of the Red Cross Blood Bank. The opinion given by them and a couple of our own members was that if the members of the Society cooperated more fully with the program there would not be a shortage of blood. The Blood Bank Committee did not present its report at the meeting or attempt to give its side at all, and a letter will be sent out to all members urging their cooperation. Dr. Thompson stated that at the present time the Red Cross is so sold on itself that he believed they would still have to realize that it is not the fault of the doctors they are not breaking even on blood recruitment, but that he felt the doctors should make the gesture of sending out such a letter. Dr. Rudolph said that in all fairness to the Red Cross he himself was very negligent in trying to get his patients to replace blood.
Dr. Harry Thompson remarked that it seemed to him that the Society is a little on the spot because it voted to table the matter and then at the last meeting it was voted to set up the Blood Bank Committee and have a report. The Society has asked that a change be made from the Red Cross. (Excerpts from the Minutes of the last meeting were read). He said that it would be up to the Committee to present their findings at the next meeting and let the Society vote upon it. He moved that the Committee continue with its investigation and report at a future date to the Board of Directors so that the matter can then be brought before open meeting in the Fall.
Motion was seconded by Dr. Rudolph and carried.
It was decided that the material received on vivisection, sterilization and dissection is to be turned over to Dr. Cogswell for further disposition.
Letter received from the A.M.A. concerning the membership of doctors who serve the Veterans Administration was read. Copy is to be sent the V.A.
