January 8th, 1951
Board of Directors Meeting
Short version
At the December 8th, 1950, Board of Directors meeting, in a discussion of the Publicity Committee report, it was brought out that it might be a good idea to answer Mr. Matthews' [ Mathews' ] editorial of December 8th by inserting a paid ad in the paper. It was suggested that a map showing the gains and losses by states of physician personnel and possibly a like map of population increase be used in this advertisement. This subject was again discussed, and it was moved by Dr. Harry Thompson that this problem be submitted to the Society, in closed meeting, and that the Publicity Committee be guided by the reaction of the members.
A meeting place for the Society was discussed. Dr. Farness, Program Chairman for 1951, is to determine the consensus of opinion of the members in this matter.
Letter from the Arizona Medical Association in reply to request for information regarding remuneration of examiners of reservists and draftees was read by the Secretary, to the effect that it was understood that if a doctor had to spend unusual time or would possibly be called upon to leave his city or area for a very limited period to accommodate the demand, he would be compensated for his expenses. Also that "For obvious reasons we have hesitated to press for a definite commitment from the Military until such time as the medical profession may be called upon to render this special service."
A letter from Colonel R.F. Kirk, Wing Surgeon at Davis-Monthan Field, in reply to a letter from Dr. Hugh Thompson who had written him stating that the consensus of opinion of the Board of Directors opposed the establishment of an obstetrical unit in the hospital at Davis-Monthan Field for the families of Service personnel, was read by the Secretary. Colonel Kirk stated that this unit is being opened by the direction of Fifteenth Air Force in compliance with overall U.S. Air Force policy. Dr. Harry Thompson moved that Colonel Kirk's letter be answered, stating our views regarding the establishment of military physicians to care for civilian personnel, and that adequate number of copies by forwarded through channels and to Senators and Congressmen and to the Arizona Medical Association.
A letter from the Arizona Medical Association stating that they had been asked by the State Elks Association to obtain information regarding the future use of the Elks' State Hospital at Tucson was read. Dr. Manning, Chief of Staff at Pima County Hospital, stated that anywhere from eight to twelve overflow patients from the County Hospital were to be sent to the Elks' Hospital, which was to receive payment on a per diem basis.
A letter from Dr. Merrill of the State Public Relations Board was read by the Secretary, in which the Board offered its assistance to the Pima County Medical society in any of its problems. Dr. Kent moved that we go on record as approving the plan whereby newspaper publicity or favorable public relations be published in our paper by out of town doctors.
Letter concerning A.M.A. dues was read by the Secretary.
A letter from Dr. Ralph Seltzer of the Papago Indian Agency at Sells, was read by the Secretary, in which we are advised that forty reservation children are handicapped at school for lack of ophthalmological treatment, for which their budget does not provide funds. This is the result of lack of provision for
