The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1908-04-15
STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

The members OF the association con-
vened this morning in their annual
meeting in the courthouse at 9 o'clock.
The association was called to order
by DR.. w. Y. Newsom. who is chair
man of the committee on arrange
ments, when Rev. G. e. Carroll in
voked the divine blessing and the adj
dress Of welcome for Ocala was made
by Attorney l.. w. Duval and those
" no heard it, the Star reporter COM
ing in too late, said it was admirable
in scope and reflected credit on tn"
brilliant disciple of Blackstone. The
address of welcome on behalf of the
Marion County Medical Association
by DR.. IZlar was cordial and hearty
TO these addresses DR.. w. p. Law
renee, president of the state associa~
ton from Tampa, fittingly replied and
following his words of appreciation
and thanks delivered his address,
ir which he touched on every subject
of interest to the profession, making
extended remarks on association or
contract practice and giving his rea-
sons for same. He thought contract
practice was commendable with big
corporations who employed large
bodies Of men and the care Of the in
jured by the medical profession. But
he objected to contract practice with
beneficiary societies. Said the doctors
had toot many obligations to practice
for little pay, while the associations
got much practice for little pay. He
said that inducements to such bodies
were made for the benefits accruing
from the individual. In Tampa there
were twelve of these organizations
who had contracts. that averaged the
patient about 50 a year for medical
attendance, while the cost to the men,
bers of said associations of $4,000
made total of $S7. OF said associa-
tons Key West had thirteen, jack
sonville $500. The doctors received
for said practice $500 a year and
their assistants 500 to $3.50 year.
The Hillsboro Medical Society put it
self on record as opposed to this kind
of contract practice, some sixty-odd
doctors, and it was working out good
results, so much so that few if any of
the resident physicians would enter
into such contracts and societies were
forced to send away for such profess
sional service. The service was not
what it should be, the societies saw
the result and were now disposed to
employ home talent at rate prices. He
urged all other local medical societies
to take the same stand as did his So
ciety and good results would follow.
In the course of his address he said
there were 120 medical schools in this
country, twenty of which did not de-
serve support. The presidents adj
dress was turned over to special
committee to report on same and as
certain what action should be taken.
The secretary, DR.. Fernandez, said
it was impossible to make a detailed
report as quite number of local So
cieties had not forwarded their re-
| ports, the other secretaries of local
| societies had simply sent letter in
stead of an itemized report on blanks
to be used for such purposes. He
reminded the president that even his
society had failed to sent a report and
his accredited delegates We're not
known, but Dr. Bird being present
said he was one and DR.. Ives the 9TH
| err
Marion delegates are Drs. Izlar and
Henry. The chairman of the State
Medical Library made his report
There were only some 200 volumes
and about 900 pamphlets belonging t.
this association in DR.. Baldwin's Of
fee, Jacksonville, and that a fine ii.
brary belonging to the association haf
been burned in the Jacksonville fire
/, of May, 1903.
The roll call was dispensed with un-
til this afternooni when all the trains
have arrived. So far there are onl!
about thirty members present.
There was one lady in the audience
Mrs. DR.. Parmelee Of Orlando. 1t was
a free and easy going meeting. Those
who desired smoked, etc. Everybody
come to the courthouse tonight AM
hear the orator Of the association or
a popular subject.