RECEIVED FEB 14*64 DIVISION OF ■aKH AFFAIRS LIBRARY. The North Carolina OF HE ALT, JRS LIBRARY Obstetrical and Gyneco^ical Society HISTORY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOGICAL SOCIETY There is no history of North Carolina medicine that compares with the excellent one on Virginia medicine written by Blanton or other comprehensive volumes by medical historians in other states. Worthwhile contributions have appeared chiefly in the Transactions of our state society and in the several journals that have been published in our state. Colonel Howell Way, J. Wesley Long, Hubert Royster, Fredrick Taylor, Charlie Strong and others have recorded interesting facts, especially those related to our society, y,oRor//f our hospitals and our schools. More recently fe*U*M-l Long, Warner Wells and Bill McLendon have published articles of historical interest. A noteworthy review bearing on our own specialty was published by one of our members, Rock Wall. A perusal of these papers and their valuable bibliography is rewarding reading and should furnish the background for a definitive volume. Our specialty as a definite discipline is not an old one. Pierce Rucker often remarked that during his professional life time, he was asso- ciated with the pioneer teachers of our specialty as it is now known. In our own state there have been eight schools of medicine. In the earlier ones the department was generally termed ''diseases of women and children'. Later "obstetrics" appeared and still later "gynecology". The earliest designate was probably Doctor Knox of Raleigh who taught at the Raleigh School of the University of North Carolina as well as the Leonard School in Raleigh. In 1980, the North Carolina Medical College began clinical teaching in Charlotte; Doctors Charlie Strong and John Irwin occupied the chairs in this school until it became affiliated with the now Medical College of Virginia. In 19C7, Brodie Nalle joined the faculty and in 1912, Oren Moore became Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from North Carolina History of Health Digital Collection, an LSTA-funded NC ECHO digitization grant project http://www.archive.org/details/northcarolinaobsOOross associated with the college; both served as president of our society. It is evident that this institution had a healthy effect upon the medical climate of our state and offers a nice thread in the continuing educational philos- ophy evident in our society, joining the present four year medical schools in our state. It also explains the freedom of movement, the understanding, dependency and altruism so evident in our membership. The crystal i zati on of our society is more easily documented than the chronology of the chain of forces. In the 1 320 ' s those with great interest in our specialty were practicing conservative gynecology and common sense obstetrics. The concern for the prevention of cancer and the toxemias of pregnancy occupied the thoughts and efforts of all. The sagacity and tenac- ity of Doctor Ike Procter, in my opinion, are the spark and rallying forces that gave a sense of direction. The attraction and real ability of Oren Moore, the durability of George Johnson, the purposef u lness of Alex White, and the humanitarian instincts of Street Brewer drew those of like minds together. Even before our society was founded, we were working toward a cancer program, a maternal mortality study and prenatal supervision for the indigent. Thus in such a healthy intellectual climate, a firm subsoil and a fertile soil, the group sought and gained strength and, more important, made it possible for an incipient medical school of come forth with a full blown department of obstetrics and gynecology. Equally important was the happy circumstances which brought the first chairman in our discipline to Duke University. This can be affirmed by one who knows. Mutual reciprocity was equally helpful later at Bowman Gray and still later at Chapel Hill. From the frequent contacts, both social and professional, between the members of our specialty, it became evident that a more useful functioning could be better assured if those interested in our specialty would join to- gether in organized fashion. At Doctor Procter's suggestion, a small group 3 met in 1930 and made preliminary plans for organizing a North Carolina Obstetric Society, In 1931, Doctors Ivan Procter, George Johnson, Richard Spicer, Oren Moore, W. Z. Bradford, John Tayloe, Leslie Lee, Alex White, Street Brewer, Ed Hamblen, Bayard Carter and R. A. Ross met at the Hope Valley Country Club in Durham for lunch before a football game. The scien- tific part was evidenced by declaring for an organization and the social side was assured by copious "needle" beer (this was 1931). Later there was further correspondence with all those interested, and on November 1*4-, 1932, selected respondents met in the old medical school building at Chapel Hill and com- pleted the organization by electing officers and declaring objectives of the North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. Those present were Doctors W. Z. Bradford, Bayard Carter, George Johnson, Leslie Lee, Brodie Nalle, Oren Moore, Ed Hamblen, R. A. Ross, Alex White and Ivan Procter. Ivan Procter, rightly, was chosen the first president. The influence of our society and its membership is and has been manifest on a state, regional and national scale. We have profited enormously and in turn have contributed. The voluntary efforts of those in our specialty early developed the concept of more scrupulous recording of the problems concerning maternal morbidity and mortality. There were pre- natal clinics in the county health departments in many counties and helpful information was disseminated. The necessity of cancer detection centers and cancer prophylaxis was originated in this state by our specialty. Members served as chairmen of the sections in our state and regional societies. In 1927, while in route to Ashevi 1 le to attend the annual meeting of the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Doctors Walter Dannreuther, Paul Titus, Grandison Royston and others organized their thoughts concerning the formation of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. At the meeting Doctor Dannreuther offered a resolution for the Association to officially explore the possibility, in conjunction with the American Gyneco- logic Society and the section of the A.M. A. Doctor Dannreuther was the first president of the Board; one of our own members was the second president and new chairman. Three of our members successfully passed the first Board exam- ination that was given. In 1938, Doctor Dannreuther returned to North Carolina and with Doctors J. P. Pratt, Pierce Rucker and Rudolph Holmes greatly aided in the organization of the South Atlantic Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The preliminary work was done by our members and the pains taking attention of Doctor W. Z. Bradford in Charlotte assured a quick and successful launching. This organization now occupies an important place in the national picture. Doctor Rock Wall has outlined in detail the cooperation of our members, both before and after organization, with the State Board of Health and the Childrens' Bureau in Washington: mid wife training and certification programmes, the Shephard-Towners law, the National Council for Mothers and Babies, the International Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Emergency Maternal and Infant Care Program, the National Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and now the College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In all these organizations we find our members participating in the programmes, helping in their organization and holding high office. Local matters have also occupied the attention and effort of the Society, insurance programmes, third party participation, residency pro- grammes, state and federal compensation plans and many others of socio- ci vi c-economi c import. Our representations have been forthright and articulate. Recurring items have concerned legislation, accreditation and certification, again ably presented. In our first decade we often had delightful fall meetings, largely sociable, in addition to the spring meeting. A noteworthy one was held at a finely seasoned old inn at Swansboro Inlet where fishing instead of golfing was to be the alleged recreation. A wonderful dinner of oysters, soft shell crabs, shrimp and delectable mackerel fully filled the inner man. This being "fruit jar" days, the food and companionship was assuredly welcome, as was a wood burning stove that relieved the chill of a cool fall evening. The only scientific offering was a paper on "Abortion" by Alex White. By midnight the presentation had not been made, but Alex, in frustration and profanity, insisted that he had worked on the paper and had journeyed all the way from the mountains to enlighten us and this he would do. It was mentioned that the jars were temporarily empty, whereupon he put more fire wood in the stove and asked everyone to move up close so that we could get the benefit of what we already had. We did go fishing, with two notable execptions who remained well covered in bed. The inlet was rough. One by one the fishermen sought the sanctity of the cabin and decubitus. On our return one member somewhat wretchedly remembered, "No wonder I feel bad - drank fusel oil all night and smelled diesel oil all day." The fall meetings in Raleigh and supper at the Procters' cabin stand out. Even in somewhat mellow retrospect, these were most friendly, helpful and purposeful occasions. One cannot escape the thought that the welfare of obstetrics in our state - and more - was better assured by these completely altruistic confederations. At another fall meeting in Pinehurst, a scientific presentation was injudiciously promoted. With reluctance Ed Hamblen consented to show some microscopic slides of the endometrium; then adjoining bed rooms could accom- modate the small group for its after dinner session. Of necessity the rooms were darkened and soon widespread stertorous breathing in cadence afforded Ed the opportunity to terminate the session with pleasure. The Society has been blessed with a bright, pleasant membership. One who always enlightened and cheered was the late greatly beloved Frank Sharpe. One of our happiest gatherings was at "Owl's Roost", the lovely country place that Frank shared so generously with friends. Our gracious host provoked brilliant, or so it seemed at the time, repartee from all the guests well into the night. Although Montaigne was awakened by sweet stringed music, our awakening was even more delightful. His manservant had prepared v/hiskey sours that far surpassed any Olympic ambrosia. Beautiful weather, wonderful food, pleasant companions - a perfect week end with a dear friend. Another happy aspect of our meetings has been afforded by meeting with other state and regional groups. In 1952, a large group of friends from the South Carolina association met with us at Mid Pines and had a joint programme. The visit was returned in 1955 when we went to Myrtle Beach. On another occasion a large group from Virginia joined us at Mid Pines and we hope to meet with them this year (19&M. Several times groups from other areas have been visiting our centers and have come to Mid Pines as guests. The "young" travel club from Canada, the New Jersey club and smaller groups from South America have been welcomed. One of the nicest things about our society has been the opportunity of meeting some of our friends who are leaders in our discipline from other geographic areas and of showing our appreciation to some of them by offering them honorary membership status. The majority of these men were invited guest speakers and added greatly to our scientific programmes. Many have been our hosts at the travel meetings. Their contributions and kindly interest have been, we trust, mutually rewarding. These trips to various medical centers have been a pleasant and profitable feature of our society. In 1941, there was an excellent clinic day given by the Charlotte group in conjunction with our fall meeting in that city, but it was not unti 1 19^7 that formal action was taken to sponsor a trip when opera- tive and dry clinics would be the primary attraction. These were in addition to the annual meetings. In 19^+8, the group spent two days at Duke Hospital with Doctor Carter and his staff. The topics were varied, the operation carried out in excellent fashion and the host did all the nice things that all of us appreciate. In 19^+9, Doctor Frank Lock and his capable staff amply demonstrated how they had developed one of the better departments in this country. The participation by members of other clinical staffs was especially noteworthy. In 1950, Doctor Richard Torpin was our host at Augusta, Georgia. This meticulous, fascinating gentleman demonstrated both his ingenuity and his basic soundness. We were shown the "extractor" he devised in the early 1 930 ' s , antedating the more grandiose implement being advocated today. In 1951, Doctor Richard TeLinde was our gracious host at the Hopkins. In his correspondence he tactfully corrected our secretary in his assumption that the departments were combined. Doctor Eastman was in Europe but his staff plus our fellow Carolinian "Pop" Everett assured a most rewarding journey. The delightful dinner at the Elkridge Kennel Club was a high spot. In the accounting it was noted that $171.00 was for "food", $139-75 for "bar" and $6.00 for "flowers", which prompted one member to ask, "Who the hell wasted $6.00 on flowers?" Another countered that this was the cheapest he had ever gotten in and out of a dog house. In 1952, we traveled to Chicago where Doctor Falls at the University of Illinois and Ed Allen at Presbyterian amply demonstrated the simplicity and 8 facility with which the operation of vaginal hysterectomy could be accomplished. A superb demonstration. A most enjoyable dinner was assured by one i ten, - "beverage, $316.59". It might help in explaining why all of the checks for dues were lost. The secretary wrote a complaining member, Thank you for your second check. The same thing happened to Paul Simpson and maybe some others. 'lone has been de- posited and I thought they were kept together. All were written on the same day, so evidently in cleaning off my desk after getting back from Cuta (the South Atlantic meeting), I threw them away or else put them where I can't find them now. Yours was among the first. It just doesn't pay to be on time! In 1953, Doctors Dick Bryant and Garber were our hosts in Cincinnatti. Here we got exact information regarding veratrum viride and hypotensive drugs in the rv,anager,-ien t of eclampsia and a general review of their excellent service. A visit to the Mecklenburg Garden was "Gemu t 1 i chkei t" to say the least. In 195'+, we went to Boston where many of the members were overjoyed to again tread on Holy Ground. It was a complete operation: pathology, obstet- rics, anesthesia operative clinics, both mild and wild. We made the rounds, a most enjoyable and profitable visit. The weather was cold, but not the hospitality in proof (90) "for liquor $351-00". In 1955, Doctor Gordon Douglas at Cornell was our host. Here we were able to be in one large medical school -hospi ta 1 complex and experience a close rela- tionship with the staff and patients. We got a clear picture of the functioning of an excellent department in a metropolitan area. In 195^, Philadelphia was a real attraction for many of our members who had had some of their educational experience in this old city. Truly, we worked both sides of the Schuyki 1 1 River. In preparation we find this letter to one member from our secretary, Come by my house, then park your car at the Ricks Hotel. They will take care of it and you, put you to bed, get you up in the morning and see that you get on the train all r i gh t . In 1957, Doctors Collins and McCall were our hosts in that most charming city, New Orleans. We saw and heard students and housestaff perform in mag- nificent fashion. The great Charity Hospital proved a thesaurus of the ail- ments that afflict mankind, and the thought was inescapable that the efficient staff was doing everything possible for the patient. Incomparable food and drink were in the same high order as the scientific offerings. In 1958, we had the opportunity of visiting one of our friends who has deep roots in North Carolina, Doctor Joe Donnelly, Medical Director of the great Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital at Jersey City. Needless to say he and his staff at Bellevue opened wide the doors to this fine old municipal hospital. The programme was complete in every detail, including a most enjoyable dinner wi th our hosts as guests. In 1959, Doctor Norman Thornton and his wisely oriented staff were our hosts in Charlottesville. They were perfect hosts at a lovely buffet and dance at the gracious Farmington Country Club, homeplace of the distinguished Wood family. Members of his staff and well known staff members of other disciplines kept all alert to solid practice and teaching. An original production, a "Who dunnit?" movie operation, left all baffled and sympathetic. Dinner and entertainment at the Jefferson Inn closed our happy visit. In i960, we accepted the courtesy of Jack Ullery and his excellent staff at Ohio State in Columbus. A visit to this modern workshop in itself is a treat; the purposeful pursuit in various endeavors was most revealing. Football and an intimate, sociable dinner were delightful complements. In 1961, our honorary member Doctor John Brewer was our host at the Pass^fvant and Wesley Memorial Hospitals at Northwestern in Chicago. Again it was homecoming for many of our members who have close association with this great medical center. The fine admixture of research and patient care was evident. One feels sure that excellent teaching is the rule at this center. 10 A well diversified presentation gave us a great deal of information, and a relaxed gathering at dinner was a benediction. In 1962, a long delayed visit to Washington was accomplished. Doctors Barter and Marchetti were perfect hosts. The joint endeavor of the schools and the services was most heartening. The trips around the city, the functioning of institutions under different types of management and the methods used for care of the citizens in this unique city were most enlightening. In this brief and somewhat disjointed recording of background, inception, function and progress of our society, it should not be difficult to judge to what degree we have fulfilled our objectives enunciated in 1931: 1. To lower maternal mortality and morbidity in North Carolina, especially the toxemias of pregnancy. 2. To create fellowship and the dissemination of obstetric and gynecologic knowledge among physicians throughout the state. 3. To use our efforts in the control of cancer among women. Robert A. Ross Chapel Hill, North Carolina 1963 11 The Presidents of Our Society 1932 Ivan Procter 19^+9 Kermi t Brown 1933 George Johnson 1950 Dick Dunn 193^- •35 Oren Moore 1951 Nick Carter 1936- 37 Ed Hamblen 1952 Dick Pearse 1938 Alex Whi te 1953 Hamp Mauzy 1939- ■ko Bi 1 1 Bradford 195^ Ledyard DeCamp 19*+1 Brodie Nal le 1955 Adam Thorp 19^2 Frank Sharpe 1956 R. A. Ross 19^3 Leslie Lee 1957 F lemi ng Fu 1 ler ]3kk Ernest Frankl i n 1958 Jim Donne 1 ly 1 9^+5 Frank Lock 1959 Buck Thomas 19^6 W. B. Bradford I960 Jim C rowe 1 1 19^7 Bi 1 1 Graham 1961 Eleanor Easley 1948 Bi 1 1 Dosher 1963 1962 Ken Podger Lew Rathbun I t wi 1 1 be noticed that on several occasions some occupied the office longer than one year, and there was some overlap due to the time of the meetings at which they were elected. 12 Membership Roster of The North Carolina Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (April 1963) Members Emer i tus Kenneth D. Dickinson William S . Dosher I van M . Proc ter Robert A . Whi te Honorary Members Edward Al len Robert H. Barter John I . Brewer Wi 1 lard R. Cooke Joseph P. Donne 1 ly R. Gordon Douglas Arthur Hertig Robert A. Kimb rough J. P. Pratt Car 1 ton N . Pr i ce Richard W. TeLinde W. Norman Thornton Phi 1 i p Willi ams John C . U 1 lery Active Members Ashevi 1 le Kermi t E. Brown Louis S. Rathbun Fletcher S. Sluder Bur 1 i ngton James to'. Johnston John R. Kernodle Rufus P. Rankin, Jr. Harold M. Sluder John H. E. Woltz Concord John V. Arey John R. Ashe Lance T. Monroe Chapel Hi 1 1 Charles E. Flowers, Jr. Leonard Palumbo Robert A. Ross Char lotte Wa 1 lace B . Bradford Williamson Z. Bradford James A. C rowel 1 Clayton S. Curry Ledyard DeCamp Glenn S. Edgerton Ernes t W. Frankl i n Edward F. Hardman Thomas W. Huey 0. Hunter Jones Patricia Ann Lawrence J. Kingsley MacDonald Joseph B. McCoy, Jr. h/. Les 1 ie McLeod Harvey C. May Roland T. Pixley Durham Trogler F. Adkins F. Norman Bowles F. Bayard Carter Robert N. Creadick Eleanor B. Easley Willi am A . Graham Roy T. Parker Richard L. Pearse Kenneth A. Podger Walter L. Thomas Violet Turner E 1 i zabe th C i ty Wi 1 1 i am A. Peters , Jr , Fayettevi 1 le Joseph W. Baggett C . T. Dan i e 1 E . C . Garber , Jr . R. H. Morrison 13 Gas toni a Jesse Ca 1 dwe 1 1 Greensboro Francis X. Berry Marion H. Bertling Ju 1 i an T. Brant ley John C . Burwe 1 1 Willi am T. C lary Richard E. Dunn H. B. Perry, Jr. Donald C. Schweizer W. Reed Wood Henderson S. Malone Parham High Point Almon R. Cross CI i fford Y. Lewis Thomas D. Tyson Ki ns ton H. F lemi ng Fu 1 ler Sam L. Parker, Jr. M. Jean Smi th Lumber ton W. Can/ Hedgpeth Hugh A. McAl 1 ister Jack E. Mohr Ra lei gh Guy H. Branaman James F. Donne 1 ly Courtney D. Egerton P. J. McElrath Robert J. Ruark Paul E. Simpson Arthur Summer 1 i n Annie Louise Wilkerson Rocki ngham Hi 1 ton D. Hai nes Rocky Mount Ju 1 i an C . Brantley , Jr . Sa 1 i sbury Trent Busby Shelby W. J. Collins Wi Imi ng ton George W. Johnson James B. Lounsbury Wins ton-Sa lem Carlton N. Adams Richard L. Burt F. L. Gobble, Jr. Paul W. Johnson Thomas W. Littlejohn Frank R. Lock W. Joseph May John H. Monroe Lundie C. Ogburn Roscoe L. Wa 1 1 , Jr. Deceased Calude N. Burton Edwin C. Hamblen Charles H. Mauzy, Jr. Oren Moore Brodi e C. Na 1 le Richard W. Spi cer John C. Tayloe Adam f. Thorp Res igned E. Louise Payne