Board of Directors Meeting, December 7, 1953 4
Dr. Manning spoke of Dr. Sanger's TV program on the subject of Diabetes, during which a boy gave himself a shot of insulin, and stated that Dr. Sanger had suggested that the Society give him a gift of some insulin, perhaps. This was considered to be Dr. Sanger's responsibility, and no action was taken.
The President, Dr. Manning, took the floor, and stated as follow--
"At this time I want to appoint a committed which will act with a committee of the Bar Association, to sit down together, and whose function will be this: If any lawyer, is approached with a mal-practice suit, submits it to the Panel, and if it is found that there is no evidence of mal-practice, the lawyer will be told and he will not take the case; if there is evidence of mal-practice, the Panel will so state to the lawyer concerned. It has been found effective in that fewer cases come to court and many can be settled out of court. A question has been 'What happens with individuals who will not abide by the finding of such a Panel?' Those to whom I have talked feel that there would be such a united front that an individual lawyer would be hesitant and reluctant to go ahead. It was Mr. Jacobson's feeling that this would be good, providing there were enough for it to do. My feeling is that if it would save one case from hitting the newspapers, it would be well worth it. The attorneys are anxious for it, because they feel they cannot get one doctor to testify against another doctor in this town, and with your permission I am going to appoint a committee, or Panel, for this Purpose."
It was moved by Dr. Kent that the appointment of a committee for this purpose be approved. Motion seconded by Dr. Costin and carried.
Dr. Manning thereupon appointed R.E. Hastings,
Lindsay E. Beaton
Harry E. Thompson
Max Costin
to serve as the committee for the Society to the Medical-Legal Panel, and reserved the right to sit in, at meetings.
The President stated that since this was the last Board meeting of 1953, he wished to thank everyone for his cooperation and help.
It was moved by Dr. Bernstein that a new filing cabinet be purchased for the office. Motion seconded by Dr. Costin and carried.
After discussion of remaining funds at year's end, it was moved by Dr. Randolph to wait until the first of the year before deciding on bond purchases. Motion seconded by Dr. Bernstein and carried.
Upon motion, duly seconded, the meeting was adjourned.
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President Secretary-Treasurer
