Year: 1862

MnDQCAL REroRxs IN SWB ARMY.-Ths inet
dciency Of the medical service In our army I
the subject Of daily demonstrates from com
manders and soldiers, the latter o. whom art
continually writing to us in reference to 1t. Ii
Congress the matter has been discussed with .
great deal Of warmth of feeling, and soms at
tempts have been made to infuse greater vigor
and efficiency into the service. We are afraid,
however, that these reforms have been COM
menced at the wrong end. Certainly, up to the
present time. no suggestion has been thrown out
which is calculated to remedy the existing de-
iciencies, and the plan Of q military medical
school is, Of all Others the least deserving of at
tenti0n.


That most Of our medical colleges do not af-
ford sufficient degree Of practical instruction
for the exigencies Of the service has been indi-
rectly established by the fact that the military
authorities deem 1t necessary to institute further
examinations Of candidates, regardless Of their
previously acquired diplomas. But even this
does not insure the efficiency Of medical aspi-
rants. Instead of testing their practical qualif-
su0 ulooCCtAA6 AOVAAy VI 90 WIZ 0oA5AeAO
Of patients. they have contented themselves with
mere theoretical examinations, conducted both
vivo voce and in writing The proper mode of
ascertaining the proficiency of candidates for
the service has been long established by
the practice Of the military authorities abroad,
and 1t is surprising that We should have ne
elected to act upon it. A candidate may be
man Of excellent memory and extensive read
ing, and may pass most creditable theoretical
examination, and yet, in judgment and practical
requirements, may be entirely deficient In
the military hospitals, and in the cases of the
wounded who come North, the proofs of the
incompetency of military surgeons have become
alarming'y numerous, and call for the immedi-
ate attention Of government


The remedy for this lies not In the establish
ment Of q military medical school, but in
rigorous practical examination of candidates
for the posts Of surgeons aud assistant sur
geons. A thorough medical education, practi-
cal as well as theoretical. will suffice for any
emergency; whereas the education derived in
special schools Of medicine offers no advantage,
and is apt to foster an exclusive class spirit
unbscoming liberal profession. Such, ct
least, has been the tendency Of similar institu-
tions abroad, to say nothing of their inability
to supply the demand for surgeons in times of
war.


Tho above remarks must not be taken
for sweeping condemnation Of the patriotic
and able surgeons who share the dangers, pri-
vations and suffcrings Of our soldiera. Many
of them we know to be possessed Of the
highest professional attainments, and in every
respect qualified for their arduous duties. Their
proficiency does not, however, palliate the
fact that large number Of the medical officers
in the army are below the ordinary standard
of qualifications for their position, and that to
their incompetency fatal results, or the maim-
ing Of patient for life, are but too frequently
owing.


These are matters respecting which there
should be no concealment. II is by discussion
only that remedy can be provided for the
evils complained of. The country is anxious
that every care should be taken of its patriotic
defenders, and it is for the government to
carry out its wishes by commencing with .
thorough and searching reform Of the army
medical service.