The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-04-29
WORK FOR nHE MEDICAL noAnn.

4A &NEE
WORK FOR THE MEDICAL BOARD.
Without discussing the merits OF the
several cases to be considered by the
state medical board at their session next
Monday, it is both timely and proper to
reflect for a moment on the purposes Of
the board aud the necessity OF protect.
ing the public from certain very COM
nor dangers.
Newly settled regions are places Of
refuge for quacks and empirics Of all
professions and classes. The causes
for this migration are easily ascertained.
A physician, who through lack Of abil-
ity fails to get II diploma from a reputa-
bio college and in consequences is barred
by the laws from practising his profess
sion in the eastern states, naturally
moves to the west. Here he expects to
find u laxity Of methods and laws less
rigorous that will permit him to make u
living by dipping the public. Another
class is that of clever physicians, who
because Of criminal practice and unpro-
fessional conduct have been forced to
leave other communities to avoid pun
ishment from tho law at the
hands of an outraged public.
These people are as common in
Montana as others who have left other
communities for reasons best known to
themselves.
The manner Of dealing with these
men is a subject of grave Importance.
Previous legislatures have made good
medical laws, but there have been many
difficulties in the way Of enforcement.
The fact that many of the quacks have
long enjoyed dangerous privileges has
caused them to become bold in their de-
fiance of public rights. Tt is common
knowledge that some of them have long
carried On criminal practice and yet this
work has been done with such care and
the protecting influences have been. SO
as to prevent such evidence as
the law requires to secure punishment.
1t is within the province of the state
medical board to correct many Of these
and this work should be per-
formed with an unsparing hand. All
encouragement should be given
to the men who have this purpose in
view, the success of which interests
every citizen who believes in obedience
20 the law as we'll as guardianship of
The public against these human har-
Dies.
Secret efforts have been made at diff
'erent times to create a prejudice against
he board and arouse a belief that it
8 an inquisitory body organized for per-
.'ecution. The authorship of this senti-
nent is we'll known. 1t comes from the
sources already suggested and is not to
% considered for a moment. Neither IS
he slightest weight to be attached to
my or all rumors that this board is
manipulated for any interest other than
The public good. Charges of persecu-
against certain physicians or GER
ain schools Of physicians are both alb
;urd and false. The board is made up
If able and reputable members of the
medical profession, men entitled to use
The full scope of the laws provisions, and
If such standing as to preclude any pos
'ibility of intentional wrong. Until
'hown to the contrary, we take it that
hat the reputation of the board, indi-
'idually and collectively, should be a
efficient guarantee for the public en-
lorsement of their action in the treat
nent of physicians known by the public
o be unworthy members of their pro-
e%ssion, if not shown by the court re-
ords to be actual violators of the crimi-
al statutes.