Thomas Jefferson University Jefferson Digital Commons
Legend and Lore: Jefferson Medical College Jefferson History and Publications
March 2009
Chapter 3- Student Organizations, pp. 93-118
Follow this and additional works at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/savacool
Part of the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Commons Let us know how access to this document benefits ouy
Recommended Citation "Chapter 3- Student Organizations, pp. 93-118" (2009). Legend and Lore: Jefferson Medical College. Paper 4. https://jdc.jefferson.edu/savacool/4
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Jefferson Digital Commons. The Jefferson Digital Commons is a service of Thomas Jefferson University's Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). The Commons is a showcase for Jefferson books and journals, peer-reviewed scholarly publications, unique historical collections from the University archives, and teaching tools. The Jefferson Digital Commons allows researchers and interested readers anywhere in the world to learn about and keep up to date with Jefferson scholarship. This article has been accepted for inclusion in Legend and Lore: Jefferson Medical College by an authorized administrator of the Jefferson Digital Commons. For more information, please contact: [email protected]. Jefferson Medical College
Student ===~ Organizations Student Medical Societies by Colin M. Roberts OMC, '95)
In the 1930Clinic Professor HobartA. Hare wrote larity and usefulness is indicative of their value. a history of student societies at Jefferson. The be The exis tence of these groups has helped materi loved Professor of Therapeutics was nearing the ally in producing a sense of so lidarity among the end of a 4O-year career at the College. In the firs t members of the various classes. In the formeryears yea r of his tenure, 1891, he had helped begin the a student might pass through the cou rse and first of what would bea long and vibrant tradition graduate, without having any intimate associa tion of studentactivity. His well written account, which with more than oneor two others and thereby was follows, reflects his serio us interest in student life. deprived of that attractive aspect of student life "In the Fall of 1891, w hen there was little op called cama raderie. Often such friendships last portunity for students at the Jeffe rson Medical through life and recall student days with pleasant College to mee t together, except in the lecture memories. It is to be hoped tha t thecustom ofhav rooms, and long before any student fraternities ing these student soci eties may continue for it we re founded among Jefferson students, Dr. brings the members of the Faculty and the student Hobart A. Ha re suggested that a n undergrad members int o closer association." uat e medical society might be fanned. Th e object By 1930, Dr. Hare had lived to see his efforts to was to provideopportunity to discuss med ical and prom ote "camaraderie" swell from an initial two surgical topics in order that the members might in 1891 to nearly twenty student societies, with 11 8 have the training of debating various to pics, of the 140 graduating seniors of that year claiming thereby preparing them for en tering actively into mem bership in at least one. the proceedings of organizations which they migh t From the charte r cha pters of the Hare Medical join after grad ua tion. Society and the W.W. Keen Surgical Society (Fig "Dr. Hare asked Dr. E. Quinn Thornton to get ure 2), groups sprang up around nearly every together a limited group of students whom he medical department of student interest and facul ty thought would be eligible as "founders," and this expertise. The majority claimed a "patron saint" group w hen it met became the first undergradu among the facu lty who, in lending his sponsorship ate student body in the institu tion (Figure O. The to the SOCiety, claimed righ ts to preside over an idea at once appealed to the studen ts of the Col annua l banquet, the culmination of a successful lege in general, and aftera few weeks during which year of meetings, smokers and speeches. At the advantages of the plan became more obvious, monthly gatherings, the student members would a second organization took place to w hich was at convene to present papers to each other, review tached the name of Prof. W. W. Keen, then in the events in the field , discuss recent lectures by the full flow er of his notable career. facu lty of their favored d epartment, and , on spe "These were the only societies founded in 1891, cial occasions, hear invited guests from the medi but many groups have come into existence since cal world present work, discuss techniqu es, and tha t time. Sometimes the death, or the resignation offer advice for aspiring resid ents (Figure 3). of the individual whose name was attached to that Student societies grew and changed with the of a Society has resulted in a change of title, or new college through the 20th century. As Hare men societies have been formed under the patronage tions, old societies changed their names to honor of newly elected mem bers of the Faculty. new facu lty sponsors as departments changed 'The fact that so manygroups have been formed chairsand faculty physicians died or retired. Simi and that theorganiza tions have increased in popu- larly, new societies emerged as new departments
Legend and Lore 94 fig. 1. Founding members of Jefferson's firsl studt'fll society, the 1892 Hare Medical Society. Dr. Hare, wa led at ceetee, was 29 yean of age when the group formed.
Fig. 2. The founding members of the W.W. Keen Surgical Society, assnnbled with their patron (in lop hal) on the steps of SI. Luke and the Epiphany, 1892. John Chalmers DaCosta is at fronl, far left.
Student Organleetlons 9S Fig. J . 1M 1895·96 cha pter of the lames C. Wilson Med ical importance, the longevity of this tradition betrays Society. 1M gl'(MJ p, which E'xisted from 1892 10 1921, is pic the social appeal of the societies. What better way tured here with dislinguished gunl Sir William Osler. to break from the Promethean task of one's stud and specialties evolved. A variety of societies also ies than to sto p in at a gathering, fonnal or infor formed to coordinate other aspects of student life, mal. with bot h friends and faculty, and to pursue and explore areas aside from purely medical mat "that attractive aspect of student life" set into mo ters. Students formed religious groups, history tion by Professor Hare some 100 years before. groups, ethnic socie ties, and a number of forums for the discussion of medical ethics and the con sideration of the cha nging role of the physician in The H.A. Hare Medical Society society. Lastly, a few unique societies stated clearly While Hare menti ons in his essay that student in their cha rter constitutions that they existed solely societies changed names and functions as the as to honor their members as students and scholars, sodated faculty and fields evolved , it is of no sur and to celebrate in order that "the lighter side of prise that the oldest society of all, the one orga life should not be completely subjugated to the rig nized in his name, hold s unchanged its original ors of a medical education." title and focus (Fig. 4). The 1991 / 92 roster of student societies cites over On October 16, 1891, seniors of the class of 1892 30 active groups. The interests and issues repre met in Professor Hare's office to form a society sented reflect both diversity of the student body, which would be "the standa rd for whatever will and the enthusiasm of the undergraduates to ex bes t ad vance the interes t of its members and pro plore, even in the first few years, areas of medi mote the welfare of 'Old Jeff'." The group would cine beyond the basic curriculum. Perhapsofequa l be limited to 40 members of the junior and senior
Legend and Lo re 96 classes. Students would write papers on any topic of interest which they felt to be of importance to future physicians, yet outside thebasic curriculum they regularly shared. The writers would then present these papers to the group in hopes that the ordeal of public delivery (and ensuing "peer re ~ view") would be excellent practical experience, EDiCAl SOCI eJY helping bookworms to better approach the future clinical demands of their calling. In lieu of such presentations, efforts would be made to obtain outside speakers, physicians, professors, and other social notables to address the group and answe r questions. They agreed to meet on the second Tues day of each month in what was to become the "society room " of the Old College on 10th and Sansom, with an informal smoker following each night's main event. The Hare society flouris hed, boasting a full ros
terthrough the year of Dr. Hare's death in 1931. In HOTE.L.8. ..o ... the subsequent restructuring of the undergradu oeoe ber tr.l 'tO~ ate curriculum, the course work of Dr. Hare's materia medica was incorporated into that of the new department of Pharmacology. Topics Hare had covered in Therapeutics were converted into a clinical program taught in the second two years Fig. 4. L ~.It her bound, hand paintt'd progrilm from 1M- 1902 by Professor Elmer H. Funk (JMC, 'OS) and it was banqeet of the Har~ Soc i~ ly. Ihe evening's speakers included 5 t ud~n l member.lOO future Dean Ross V. Patte rson liMe, '04) Funk who took the reins of the society. Funk was who presented - RKreations of .l Mt'dic.I) Student.- an extremely popular teacher, administrator, and Hare's true successor as Sutherland M. Prevost One cannot mention the Hare Society without Professor of Therapeutics. The society acknowl drawing special attention to one of its most popu edged their fondness for him by becoming the E.H. lar and devoted sponsors. Dr.Joseph Medoff (Fig Funk Therapeutic Society for a brief year until ure 5) (jMC, '39) (Division of Gastroenterology) Funk's dea th the following May. The society re took charge of the society in 1961. His enthusias mained under the aegis of the Prevost Professor tic IS-year spo nsors hip breathed new life into the ship within the department of Medicine and, re grou p, and with his guidance they were established turning to its original namesake, went forward as as an Honor Society for the Department of Medi the H.A. Hare Medical Society un der the sponsor cine. Dr. Medoff, his wife and their children, es ship of Prevost Professors E. Quinn Thornton tablished the Philip and Bella Medoff Memor (933), Ross V. Patterson (1934-38), and Martin ial Prize, awarded yearly to a senior member E. Rehfuss (1940-49). Therapeutics was discontin of the Ha re Society in honor of Dr. Medoff's ued as an endowed chair in 1949, and parents. In 1976, the society chose to honor continued as a lectureship in the department of Dr. Medoff himself, and with funds contributed Medicine by Dr. Rehfuss. The Hare Society re by past and present members, faculty, and mained strong despite departmental changes, patients, they presented his portrait to the College. and today drawssponsors from throughout the De It hangs today in the Herbut Auditorium as a trib partment of Medicine. ute to Dr. Medoff and to the continuing success of
Student Or~ani~ations 97 he or she alone should receive the last spot in the life raft. Each in tum presents the case for survival, and in the ensuing fracas, a winner is chosen by the assembled student mob. Though no clea r record remains of how a nd where it first took place, the Debate returns each Spring to a cheering crowd with a new and nervous roster of facul ty cha mpions.
The Surgical Societies Not to be outdone by the internists, students of eminent surgeon and Professor W.W. Keen took less than two weeks from the firs t meeting of the Hare society to start a group of their own. Se niors of the class of 1892 convened on October 29, 1891, drew up a constitution, and received Keen's enthus ias tic endorsement. A similar plan of meetings, smo kers and banquets was establish ed, and from the outset, the Keen society's lec tures were a hit. In 1899, student membe r Henry M. Labelle (JMC. 1900) reco unted before the group a suspense ful tale of surgery titled "Amputation of the Thigh under Difficulties, in the Wilds of West Virginia." Prof~r Fig.5. Dr.lowph MNfoff(JMC. ']9) (finial of Medi· During the previous summer, Labelle had landed ciee 0100 dnotftl sponsor of lhe HOIf~ ScKiety (1960-16). a job with an oil company in what he called "wild the society he sponsored. cat territory". When a 10 year-old boy met with While the Hare Society continues to this day, it a n accident destroying his leg. Labelle, though still has expanded in both size and scope.Member a student, found himselfthe only man within forty ship now exceeds the initial 40, having expanded miles with any medical knowledge. With the in the 30s to admit a rising number of interest cook's butcher sa w he amputated th e child's ed juniors and seniors. An annual banquet is still crushed limb, using hairs from a nearby horse's held each Spring. with a nationally known inter tail to tie off the vessels, and the strings of a violin, nist as guest of honor. like many of today's stu soa ked and softened in wann wa ter and soap, dent societies. the Hare society also plays a role in to d ose the wound. The operation was a suc helping members prepa re for residency opportu cess, enabling the boy to travel the day' s journey nities - a popular theme of interest and an xiety across rough country to the nearest town and hos for most upperclass members. pita l. Labelle's story was cheered by his fellow In the mid 19705. the Hare Society sponsored an members, especially as he recalled how specific event which would become one of the College's memories of Dr. Keen's lectures had guided him most popular annual events: the Raft Debate through the procedure. At the crucial moment, (Figure 6). Before a packed house, the society he claimed, he recalled Keen's maxim, tha t "wher places a n in ternist, an obste trician/gynecolo ever you are, in city or country, forest or moun gist, and a surgeon on the deck of a sinking ship, tain, you always have an antiseptic - HEAT." and asks each to convince those assembled why Labelle boiled everything, including the bandages
~n da ndLore 98 The Raft Debate '88
made from strips of his polka-dot shirt, and the Fig. 6. Faculty members battle for a place in lhe lifeboat at the Hare Society's 1988 R Student Organtaettons 99 tivities were becoming increasingly popular, and the residency program was growing in the wake of Dr.Gibbon'slandmarksuccesses with his heart lung machine. Undergraduate interest in the Department's activi ties flourished, and the student surgical society beca me the Gibbon Society, the name it holds to d ate. Dr. John Y. Templeton, IU, sponsored the group's activities, presid ing over the continuing series of lectures and banquets (Figure 8). The Gibbon Surgical Society continues as one of the most popularstudent groups, fueled by both student and faculty enthusiasm, and a continuing tradition of excellent teaching surgeons. Other Student Societies A wide range of student societies emerged as the College entered the 20th century. Many offered little more to student members than a few dry meetings and an honorary diploma at grad uation. Ftg. 8. On. John H. GiblMwl, Jr. (JMC, '27) imdJohn Y.Templeton Others rallied around ann ual eventsor awards, bu t III (JMC,'41) &ook on .IS Dr. Gordon W. Thomas, surgeon 10 seemed to d o little for the remainder of the year. (he Gmlfell Mission in Labndor, eumines a slide shown 10 The Wtlliam Smith Forbes Ana tomical League (he Gibbon Su'liQI Society. Dr. ThomilS spole .Jo l the Society's (Figure 9) became organized in 1893 to honor the 4th .J.nnu.J.1 b.J.nquet, 1962. great Jefferson professor and his achievements in met for many years. Banquets and smokers were winning passage of the Pennsylvania Anatomical kept alcohol-free in accordance with Dr. Keen's Act . Forbes magnanimously decided to offer, strict Baptist beliefson temperance. Keen remained through the society, a prize of $150 from his own an enthusiastic sponsor of the group through the pocket to the student with the best second year year of his death, 1932. grade in anatomy. This wasa huge sum at the time, John Chalmers DaCosta had lon g been an es more than enough to pay for a year's tuition, and teemed professorof surgery (first Samuel D.Gross the prospect of winning kept the group alive for Professor) d early loved by his students. Thou gh some time. The society 's monthly meetings, in failing health in 1932and unable to actively par nevertheless, could hardly have been exciting ticipate, the members of the student surgical soci events. Students gave an end less parade of pa ety chose to honor him as their new president and pers titled "Stomach","Nose", "Tongue" and the namesake. They remained the J.e. DaCosta Surgi like. Professor Forbes finally moved to end the cal Society through his death the following year. smokers and banquets, and use the money for a In 1937, co-sponsor and subsequent Samuel D. second anatomy prize instead. Onecan only won Gross Professor,Thomas A. Shallow, proposed they der how many similar groups might have wel become the Gross Surgica lSociety, a title they held comed such executive orders. for the next twenty-two years. The enthusiasm of Dr. Ross V. Patterson OMC, By 1959, the Department of Surgery had under '06, Dean 1916-38) breathed life into many societ gone great change. The old "A" and "B" teams ies of the 205 and 30s (Figure 10). Somehow Dr. had been united under eighth Cha irman and third Patterson managed to find timeaway from hiscon Gross Professor John H. Gibbon, Jr. Research ac- siderable ad ministrative schedule to found and Lesend and Lore 100 )\ ) -b,i . p'\\1i,\ ~m~il\~ \tlUmcr "",.;,?k".?t//) ~~#h/~ONIA~'N;',/~ r;'j1';';Nrr/A/i d~/Hr., ..U" /NnNh .,,//h;' . I. r chair the Rabelais Society for upperclass officers, Fig. 9. Diploma ofthe Forbes Anatom ical teagee givt'n to men\ Kappa Beta Phi a purely social society w hich gave bees at the end of their sophomore year. birth to the perennially popular Black and Blue While some societies d id continue in the old tra Ball, and his own Ross V. Patterson Medical Soci dition, and do to this day, newer groups emerged ety for the study of medical his tory. Patterson also in the subspecialties with narrower missions. The chaired the H.A. Hare Society from 1935-38, and it more "stylish" the field and, perhaps more impor appears the opportunity to beassociated. with the tantly, the rarer the residency opportunities, the dynamic dean bolstered membership all around. more likely one is to find an associated student Following a peak in the '20's and '305, mem group. Among ot hers, Dennatology, Orthopaedic bership in nearly all student societies declined. Surgery, Radiology, Anesthesiology, and Emer The enthusiasm of the early chapters for the gency Medicine societies have all sprung up emerging medical specialties and the desire to with better opportunities for aspiring students meet famous faculty patrons like Keen. Hare, and to meet with peers, faculty, noted clinicians, and Forbes did not survive the times. Student groups residency directors. Like the first societies of became more purely social, focusing on those the early century, they offer education, cama events - parties and coffee breaks - which really raderie, and the occasional big dinner. They also brought out the membership. address the concerns of the student considering Student Organizations 101 medical practice in a community of peers and pa ( \ .-.,.....+-,. tients quite different from that of his forbears of .~ I ' the class of 1892. Societies are not likely to survive on tradi tio n alone. They mostly succeed on the basis of intellectual enhancement a nd social pleas ure. Jefferson societies will continue to add a d imensio n to student life in the highest standard of the institution. "- _ 11I _- fig. TO. This 1914 sfuden t ca rtoon bt'trays the pace or ma n)' early sludent presen tations. Greek - Letter Fraternities For many years the Greek-letter Fraternities at Aside from the social benefits, and to so me ex Jefferson ha ve ha d social and eco no m ic influen ce tent scholastic advantages from cooperation in in the lives of the medical students. Although stu dy with fellow classmates, the main provisions their importance has declined during the past were for living accommodations and meals. Of the two decades for reasons that will be discussed, sixteen fraternities in 1927. seven had purchased they have had a long and interesting tradition their houses and the rest operated under leases. worthy of recount. Purchases were made possibl e by contributions The history of the Fraternities is nearing thecen from Alumni members, by first mortgages, and by tury mark. The Delta Chapter of Phi Alpha Sigma Building and Loan mortgages for the remainder. was the first suc h organiza tion at Jefferson in 1899 The ca rrying charges of the properties, consisting (Figs. 1 a nd 2). By 1912, twelve addi tiona l fra ter ofinterests, insurance, taxes, wa ter rent, and Build nities were ad ded (Alp ha Kappa Kappa, 1900 (Fig. ing and Loan costs wereprovided by initiation fees, 3); Nu Sigma Nu, 1900 (Fig. 4); Phi Beta Pi, 1902; d ues, and board and room payments from the un Phi Chi, 1903 (Fig. 3); Phi RhoSigma, 1904; Omega dergraduate members. Since the financial affairs Upsilon Phi, 1908; Theta Nu Epsilon, 1909; Phi were run on a not-for-profit basis, the costsof roo m Della Epsilon, 1911 (Fig. 4); Pi Mu, 1913; Kappa and board were not greater than in the surround Psi, 1912; Phi Lambda Kappa, 1912; and Gamma ing housing and meal facilities. The Chapte r Gamma, 1912). The membership grew so that by Houses were furnished and administered by the 1927 there were abou t 600 students (an average of students themselves, as a rule under the supervi 55) in the va rious Cha pters. This figure di d not sion and advice of an Alu mni Committee. take intoaccount other specialized Greek-letter fra Many students who were living in qua rters out ternities such as, for example, Alp ha Omega Al side theChapter Housesavailed th emselves of the pha honorary fraternity or the Kappa Beta Phi. a fraternity dining facilities. By 1929 th is arrange purely social fraternity that sponsored theAnnual ment included about sixty percent of the entire stu Black and Blue Ball after 1933. dent body. The food was purchased and menus Legend and Lore 102 Fig. 1. Ml'mben of Phi Alpha Sigma, fint fraternity to be establ ished at Jefferson (18'1'11 . Theta Kappa Psi Phi Alpha Sigma r"1"T'""--V..:;",""'-" Fig. 2. Theta Kappa Psi, located al '11'1 Clinton street and phi Alpha Sigma located at 313 S. Tenth Street . Student Oesantaauons 103 arranged by one of the members who acted as In the autumn and earl y winter it was custom Steward. frequently assisted by one or more fel ary to have parties referred to as "Satu rday-night low members. It wasof good.qua lity and prepared Smokers" to which Alumni members and candi by an employed cook. Students who washed dates being "rus hed" were invited. At times there dis hes oraided in other house chores such as main was even a Chapter dance. but Kappa Beta Phi took tenance had red uction in livin g costs. A Hou se over this function with the advent of the Annual Committee was responsible for housekee ping and Black and Blue Ball (1933). enforcement of rules and regulationsgoverning the Weekly meetings of th e off icers a nd mem Use of the Chapter House. An occasional infrac bers were usually necessary to transact the Chap tion of the rules was punished by the imposition ter business. Attendance was mandatory under of a fine. Besides the students whoobtained board threat of a fine for absence. Moreambitious Chap and room in adjacent areas were those who resid ters at times issued bulletins for the interest of ed in Philadelphia and lived at home or received their Alumni members. these services by part-time work in hospitals Fraternity life flourished throughout the 19405. or other institutions. 50s and early 60s, providing comfortable board ing at moderate cost, excellent campus social life. Fig. 3. Alph.I Kappa tulppa. located .at 317 S. Eleventh Strft'l and brotherhood in studying together, "Rus h (on slte of Old Phil .ad ~lph i a Almshouse, K~ of fftJnion of the two Ac.orod i.oro n SWffthnrl§ immorL1li l'ed in long f~lI ow's week" rivalries and colorful initiation ceremonies. Evang~/jM) iII nd Phi Chi, loca ted i111 1025 Spruce Street . A stead y d ecline in membership then set in with Alp"ha KflPPP Kappa Phi Chi Legend and Lore 104 survival of only six of the original fraternities (Phi In more recent years, the medical school curricu Alpha Sigma, Alpha Kappa Kappa , Nu Sigma Nu, lum itself discouraged membership. because out Phi Chi, Phi Delta Epsilon, and Theta Kappa PsL) of-town assignments at affiliated institutions of On ly Phi Alpha Sigma and Nu Sigma Nu still ten involved temporary living away from campus had kitchen services. An article appeared in the for weeks at a time. Jefferson Medica l College Alumni Bulletin (Spring. Construction of the Orlowitz Residence Hall 1972. by Joy R. Mara) entitled: "Fraternities 1973: (1967)dealt another severe blow to fraternity life. Is the Party Over?" (Fig. 5). The accommodations there were much superior, Reasons for decline in membership and impor offering 172 one-bedroom apartments, 56 two tance of the Fraternities were understandable and bedroom apartments, and a number of three-bed inevitable. A big blow to fraternity life was dealt room apartments, plus modem amenities of secu by the significant increase in the percentage of rity,airconditioning, facilities for children, confer married students. These students could not ence rooms and private parties. This residence avail themselves of the housing or dining facili proved very popular, and developed wai ting lists. ties, and the social activities became irrelevant or Nine years later the Barringer Residence (l976) unnecessary. Qu ite a few even had family respon would add 138 apartments at reasonable cost sibilities. Increased living costs and college tuition found many such students in debt and lacking Fig. 4. Nu Sigma Nu, located oil 1106 Sproce street oInd Phi fund s for fraternity dues. Delta Epsilon, kK:.1ted at lOll Sprucr Strftt. Nu Sigma Nu Student Orvanizations 105 of the regular "Rush". The remaining fraternities did stay competitive, however, with "Rush" used as an attra ction. Tosee what "Rush" was like in 1912, there is an anonymous article in the Clinic for that year which describes the activity most graphically: "Diary Of A Freshman" "September 25 Arrived this morning. Haven't had time to write to her yet. Went to see Patterson today. Gee, but he is a dignified cuss. Don't know wh y I went in to see him, anyhow. Wonder how much of that ten dollars breakage fee I'll get back. Abook agent tried to sell me a pathology today, but I'll have to ask Dad first. When he went to Jefferson there weren't any Fraternities here, but college life has changed since then. Dad said to look them all over, and then join a good, studious bunch if I joined any. "Sep tem ber 27 Had an awful time finding my way back to this room. All the houses look alike to me. Sophs got Fig. 5. Greek-leiter Fraternil ies (from Alumni Bulletin, me today, but it wasn't half as bad as I expected. Spring, 1973). Met a fellow named Vosburg, and he took me to house420 occu pants, with one hall of the apart around to the Alpha Kappa Kappa house. Those ments occupied by families. fellows made more fuss over me than anyone else The opening of the Jefferson Commons 0%8) has yet. Said they'd ask me to stay fordinner. only in Alumni Hall took over most of the responsibil their table hasn't started yet. Wonder how they ity for provision of campus social activities just as landed so many honorary members."TIny" seems the fraternities were having financial difficulties aw fully kiddish for a fellow his size. I'd like to in sponsoring their own social functions, usually know wha t nationality Turnbull is: can' t under at a loss. In addition, the Jefferson Alumni Hall stand his lingo. Streit wanted to take me out. but cafeteria provided wholesome meals at reasonable I didn 't like to trust him. Mitchell certainly can prices. New low-cost restaurants also sprang up tickle those ivories. on the surrounding campus. Although there still "September 28 remained those who preferred fraternity alterna The Nu Sigma Nu bu nch took me around to tives, the competition from these more modem meet Radasch today. Then we went over to their facilities was most compelling. house. Didn't think fellows as old as Hughes stud "Rush", the traditional membership recruitment. ied medicine. Guess there aren't many Nu Sigma became a lower key affair. An Inter Fraternity Nu's flunk, but you have to be a Sophomore be Council sched uled the events and set limits on fore they will initiate you. Some big fellow with a spending. Activities such as outdoor barbecues, little voice gave me a stick of chewing gum, but 1 Band parties and informal lecture groups were still handed it to Burns, who looked forsaken, and permissible. Letters were sometimes sent instead didn't seem to mix well with the rest.Strimple Legend and Lore 106 told me the dirtiest joke I ever heard. Think I'd they didn' t tell me. They didn't seem to like me like St. Clair if I knew him better. cause they didn't loosen up much. Gaston looks "September 29 like a young cherub when he smiles, and he The Phi Alpha Sigmas corralled me today as I is always smiling. "Red" had his hammer work was leaving lunch and took mearound to their big ing, but no one seemed to mind him much. house on Spruce Street. Ilike their location. "Mike" Hornick must be a fine fellow, but I didn't like the Nolan got my complete history in about two min looks of Hammit. utes. Fulton gave me some good fatherly advice. "October 3 They call him "Rough Neck" because he isn't. I'm beginning to get tired of this "rushing" busi Wonder what tha t H on Lowe's sweater stands for. ness. Had a seance with the Phi Chis this after I'll bet he's a Heller among the women. I wish noon. Ensminger is married, but otherwise he's a Dad could have been there to hear Boord recite good scout. Guess Boring is their "heady" man. "Christopher Columb." Shepp's pipe got too strong for me and I had to "September 30 leave early. I know all about Puerto Rico now. After lecture tonight Iwas steered around to the "October4 Phi Rho Sigma House. One fellow they called Omega Upsilon Phi tried hard '0 land me this Poffiesaid he had met me before. I'll swear I never afternoon. Austin seems too lazy for a doctor. saw him before. Every frat I go to they tell me the Hanson is a wide-awake boy, though. Littleton same things. Harris gave out the awfulest line of told me wh ere to get the best high-ball in the city. talk about concrete work, railroading,etc., etc., that Brant was still in bed, so I didn't have a chance Iever heard . During the conversation he fell asleep to meet him. several times . Guess he mus t have been out on a "October 5 maternity case all night. They called him Bert Wil WiSh I could remember all that happened last liams, and tried to tease him about Eva Tanguay. night. I met Potts and Childers in Trainer's and "Pop" Shields gave me an awful talk on "What a we proceeded to have a party. A few minutes later Freshman ought to know." He asked if he might Jenson and Flannery came strolling in and joined make a sketch of me before I left. I believe Jenson us. Later on in the evening we picked up WL11iams must be their inspector. He hardly said a word, and Hornick, at Brill's. A few minutes later Van but sure did look me throug h and through. He Duzer and Brant joined the crowd. Someone mixed must have been a barber one time, as they teased the drinks on me. Don't remember where we him a lot about "Catsup Shampoo." I didn't think ended up at nor who brou ght me home. I have a he was that kind of a fellow. I wonder what is in faint recollection of pledging myself to some Fra store for me tomorrow. temiry, but I've lost the button and cannot recall "October 1 what it looked like, and to save my soul I cannot Met all the Phi Beta Pis today. Class politics was remember who put it on me. I'm in a hell of a fix." the main topic of conversation. I thin k that fellow Another anonymous article appeared in the who wore the green sox and red necktie is named Clinic for 1923 which described a student's reac Spear. Thomas seemed a bit conceited. Tomlinson tion on exposure to the various existing fraterni is a nice fellow, and Kesting has the tidiest head of ties (Fig. 6). It deserves quotation in full. hair I've ever seen. Must get his hair oil prescrip tion. They talked a lot about how many men be "The Horrible Truth, Or, longed to Phi Beta Pi - must be like belonging to The Fraternities Unmasked" the Human Race. "October 2 "Iarrived at Jefferson on April t st. and wen t im The Pi Mus had me all over the city today. They mediately to the Dean's office. Here I registered, don't have a house yet. Don' t know why, cause and, departing from the halls of the quilted bricks, Student Org-anizations 107 Street , very near the Jewish Cemetery. l did not stay long here, for the plumberwasgiving the drain system a high irrigation, and a druggist named Applema n was hearing some lessons for the boys. '1 was then conducted to the Phi Rho suite, but as I do not care much for girls, Icurtailed my visit. I hope to investigate this group at a more oppor tune time, They promised to be very interesting from an anthropologica l point of view. 'The next eating-elub to come under my atten tion was the Oh You Phi bungalow. This isa charm ing meal-place conducted by the Neurological Sur vey for Hungry Students. As the nam e impli es, clinica l material may be had at any time, by ap plying to the Keeper-in-charge. "My next fancy led me to theA.KK. House, and as it was not yet dark I ven tured in. I was warmly received, and immediately exposed to a long talk somewha t like the following A.K.K. Spirit (at first I thought a drink was in order), like love, devo tion, loyalty, and other of its components, is better understood in its tangible manifestations than in anyabstractdescription. Recognizing this,several characteristic views of Fraternal Sacrifice (just plain Fig. 6. Caricature of Jefferson Freshman (from Clinic, 192) . bull) . But as Idi d not wish to make a contribution I hurriedly left. In so far as I know, the orator is Isoon arrived at the Phi AIf House. This is a beau still talking. not noticing that his audience left. tiful yea rly leased structure on Pine Street. I was "Bright and early the next morning Icame upon quickly deprived of my coat and hat at the door, the dug-out of the New Sigs. This group has a and was wamed to take all my valuables from my very excellent quartet, which insists on singing on pockets, as nobody would be held responsible for the least provocation. things stolen . They had a band playing in the par "The harmony was d readful. I stayed to dinner lor, but it kindly stopped on my arrival. I received there. As I left I was given a list containing the a hearty reception:There was a big picture of "our names of ten Nationa l Fraterni ties at Jefferson. brother, the dean", all done up in a black frame. They asked me to mention them wherever I went. The picture was hung high up ~ my interpreter "At the Fie Delta Epsilon studio I had the morti explained this by sayi ng. that if it were in reaching fication of pulling out the door knob, which I was distance somebody would steal it. advised to put back before I was arrested, and to 'The next hour was spentat the Phi Chi House. never do it aga in,"Positive not. H Thisoutfit iscom The Phi Chis area fine bunch of boys and are noted posed of very remo te grandchildren of a well for their studious habits. Instead of saying Grace, known Bible gentleman, named Jacob. At meal each Brother has to stand up and recite his grad es. time they talk very loudly, so that one cannot hear A 75 spoils the whole dinner. the shoes of the wait er clattering over the floor. "Leaving this charming company,I next wended They were somewhat resentful when they learned my way to the Pie Bates. These earnest young men that I did not brin g a spoon to add to their collec had an excellent med ieval hostelry on Spruce tion, representing thirty different railroads, sixteen Lesend end Lore 108 steamboat lines, a few national fraternities, numer has caused a panic on the market, and one can no ous hospitals, and two quick lunches. longer safely prescribe this invaluable remedy. To I'll was at the Kappa Cy house that I had the show their abandonedness, while I was there, most fun . As Ientered the room six men were put one of the members put some coa l in th e ting one of their playmates into a spittoon, head furnace. I understand, however, that this thought first. One of the brothers said it didn't matter, as less action was severely frowned down upon at the spittoon was only hall full, and therefore not the next meeting. likely to spill over on the carpet. They informed "Altogether I was favorably impressed with fra me they were rather young, but "awful tough." ternity cond itions at Jefferson. They are doing ex They have a song, which can also be used as an cellent work. On careful inquiry at each Chapter I encore. Somebody played it on the piano, but he found that each was first in scholastic standing, apparently wore gloves. When they reach matu and more men were elected to class officers than rity, they are likely to be an interesting group. all the rest combined." "About three o'clock Iarrived at the Fie Lambda Kappa asy lum. They have a house wh ich is very Althou gh fraternities have traditionally fostered finely located , and which will be very pretty when "brotherhood", the sex barrier was broken in the built. They have a large number of men in the vari early 19705 by ad mission of women medical stu ous Jefferson societies, a few on the Faculty, and dents to membership. Although this did not in one or two in College. They hold their chapter clude housing, it provided access to diningand the meetings in the College Library, and have one social activities. The five remaining Greek-l etter Mason in theirdub. Although secluded, this hang fraternities in the 90s areAlpha Kappa Kappa, Nu out has the distinct advantage of being near the Sigma Nu. Phi Alpha Sigma, Phi Chi, and Phi Delta Philad elphia Orthopedic School. Epsilon. With the heyday past, their future has 'The Tau Chapter of the Chi Zeta Chi holds the so me enthusiasts and so me prophets of d oom. record for ga rlic consumption. Indeed, their pro Their demise "would not go unlamented." digious appetites for this member of the Lilaciae Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society In 1902 William Webster Root wit h five other Hospital and Mayo Clinic had opened. Aseptic medical stud ents at the Co llege of Physicians principles of surgery were becoming entrenched a nd Surgeons in Chicago organized the and rubber gloves were introduced. Earlyopera Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Its tion for appendicitis, improved herniorrhaphy,and purpose was to foster higher ideals of scholastic more radical surgery for cancer were practiced. excellence and moral cond uct. While directly pro Experimental pancreatic diabetes was produced . moting these lofty goa ls, it indirectly was protest Many psychiatric conditions were begin ing a commo n notion which associated medical ning to be recognized as medica l. bra in students with "rowdyism, boorishness, immoral disorders. The scientific age of m edicine ity and low educati onal ideals." was gaining momentum. At the tum of the century medical education in Jefferson Medical College was in the forefront the United States was in a state of ferment and of this progress. The year 1895 marked the end of change. A decade earlier (1890)the Johns Hopkins proprietary status, which had pertained from its Student Organizations 109 fou nding in 1824, and was superseded by a mal. Mr. Louis e. Vanuxem, a Board member, at fu ll control by the Board of Trustees of the his own expense equipped the physiology labora Med ical College Hospital. Med ical education at tory in a manner that placed it in the first rank of this institution was no longer a financial interest such laboratories. One hu nd red and fifty micro of the professors, tuiti on fees now being received scopes of the most recent make as well as an elec directly by the administration. tric lantern projector were also provided for stu Although the ad mission requirements did not dent use. Demolition of the old Medical College changeat this time, there were increasing numbers at Tenth and Sansom streets provided spa ce for of matriculants possessing more than minima l co ns truction of a new Main Hospital that qua lifications, such as dentistry, pharmacy, bacca would open in 1907. lau reate, and even M.D. degrees from other insti In 1899 the stude nts launched a publication, The tutions. The basic high school or academy educa Jeffersonian, issued monthly until 191 6. fn addition tion was still acceptable as was a "Certificate from to record ing stu dent life and medical events it pro Examiners of a County Medical Society." An en vided intimate communication between students trance examination was also an option. and faculty. By 1902there were more than a dozen In the 18905 there were five clinical lectureships student societies and other organized student ac in the evolving specialties of orthopaedic surgery, tivities at Jefferson. These included: the Hobart laryngology, children's diseases, dermatology, and Amory Hare Medical Society, W.W. Keen Surgical, ren al di seases. Instruction was also given in E.P. Davis Obstetrica l, j.C, Wilson Medical. E.E. the use of the laryngoscope and ophthalmoscope. Montgomery Gynecological. EX. Dercum Neuro In 1895 the four-year course became a require logical and Psychiatric, W.M.L. Coplin Pathologi ment for the M.D. degree. The curriculum was es cal, H.e.Chapman Physiological, Orville Horwitz tablished in detail for each of the four years and Surgical (Urological), Ptolemy (Masonic), Forbes classes were di vided into sections for laboratory Anatomical League, and The Academy (comprised and clinical teaching. of students with college degrees). There was a In 1894 the first full length bronze statue in the Young Men's Christian Associa tion, Medical Col United States to be erected in honor of a physician lege Orchestra, Football and Basketball Teams (that was dedicated in Bryant Park, New York City, to J. competed with other colleges). Marion Sims (JMC, 1835), the "Father of Modern It is evident from the foregoing that Jefferson American Gynecology." The second was in 1897 Medical College was poised at that time to join the in ho nor of Samuel D. Gross OMC, 1828), the "Em nationa l Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and peror of American Surgery of the Nineteenth Cen enthus ias tica lly becam e the Alpha Chapter of tury," in Smithso nian Park, Washington, D.e.. Pennsylvania in 1903, first of the eventual seven The most physical evidence of Jefferson's in this State. The AOA motto,"To be worthy to progress was the opening of the New Medical Col serve the suffering." was very appropriate for lege Building on October 2, 1899, at the northwest many activities occurring at Jefferson. comer of Tenth and Walnut Streets. This six-story The earliest med ical schools to join the Alpha commodious structure complied with the most Omega Alpha were: University of Illinois (Chicago) mod em requirements of med ical ed ucation from and University of Chicago in 1902; Northwestern, bot h theoretical and practical standpoints. An ad Case Western Reserve, Jefferson Medical College junct six-story laboratory building provided ten and University of Pennsylvania in 1903; Washing large laboratories for students and 17 smaller pri ton University in 1905; Harvard Medi cal School, vate rooms for individual research. Facilities for Johns Hopkins, University of Toronto, and Univer pharmacology, med ical chemistry, toxicology, sity of California, San Francisco in 1906;Columbia phys iology, normal and pathological histology, University College of Physicians and Surgeons; ana tomy, bacteriology, and recitations were opti- University of Michigan in 1907; and University Legend and Lore 110 of Mississippi in 1908. members of their calling; to advocate high require A short article appeared in The Jeffersonian for ments for entrance to the course in medicine and April, 1903, as follows:"Alpha OmegaAlpha Hon for graduation; in short to do wha t they can to ex orary Fraternity is an organization which sta nds alt and to ennoble the profession. A commercial in the same relatio n to the medical college as the spirit and all departures from medical ethics are to Phi Beta Kappa Honorary Fraternity does to the be avoided, and the purely scientific, the philo literary college. It differs from the latter, however, sophical and the poetical features of the profession in its methods of election to membership. Jefferson are to be cultivated. has recently received a charter for a chapter, which "Students are eligible as active members, sub- will be the Alpha Chap ter of Pennsylvania. This ject to the following conditions: honorary fraternity does not make class standing, (a) Scholarship as to grade, the only qua lification for membershi p, (b) Strength of cha rac ter, individuality and but considers the moral cha racter of a man in its originality. broadest sense, his conduct and deportment in (c) Moral character in the broades tsense, includ college life, as well as the interest he manifests in ing: unselfishness, respect for one's self and for his chosen profession. Membership in this society others, combined with lofty idea ls. is conferred by the active members, who are Se "Scholarship is considered the most important nior students, with the sanction of the honorary qualification for election, but no man, however members, upon other students of the Senior and brilliant in scholarship, is eligible if he does not Junior classes - the latter at the end of each year confonn to the requirements above set forth ." - who are deemed most worthy. Duringeach year 'The insignia of the Fraternity is in the fonn of a lecture upon some subject pertaining to medical a key, made of gold, and worn as a watch charm. ethics will be delivered by one of the honorary It is designed after the manubrium stemt. On the members before the student bod y." obverse side are the three Greek letters and the date Another reference to Alpha Omega Alpha in of the organization. On the reverse side, the name The Jeffersonian for January, 1908, was 'This is a of the school, the name of the member owning the non-secret Medical Honor Society, memb er key, and the date of his election ." ship to which is based. upon scholarsh ip, mora l Since Jefferson Medical College did not admit qualifications being satisfactory. It was organiz its first women students until 1961, it can be un ed at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of derstood that the articles quoted above referred Chicago, August 25th, 1902, and is the only soci only to men students. At least one third or more ety of its kind in medical schoo ls on this con of the students at Jefferson are now women who tinent. Chapters are limited to medical schools of win more than their ma thematical proportion of the highest standing. prizes at graduation and many have become mem "This organization, while possessing exclusive bers of Alpha Omega Alpha. features as regard scholarship and other high stan Willis Fastnacht Manges in the Class of 1903 was dards of membership, adds to these the definite the firs t member of Alp ha Omega Alpha at mission to encourage high idea ls of thought and Jefferson. He immediately became involved in the action in schools of medicine and to promote that new science of radiology and as a pioneer in this which is highest in professional practice. As stu field he ultimately was elected President of the dents, members are to avoid that which will make Ameri can Roentgen Ray Society and became the them unworthy of their calling and to further the first Chairman of Radiology at Jefferson. His two same spirit among their fellow students. As prac sons, Willis Edmund (JMC, '42) and W. Bosley titioners they are to maintain and encourage the OMC,S'44) were members of Alpha Omega Alpha lofty ideals set before them by the revered father at Jefferson, and the latter was President during of medicine, Hippocrates, to show respect for other his senior year. Student Organizations II I A list of the Honorary Faculty Members appears in the Clinic Yearbook for 1923. The names are all outstanding in the history of Jefferson and exem plify the d istinction of being so ho nored. They are WLiliam W.Keen, James C. Wilson, E.E. Montgom ery, W.M .L. Co plin, R.V. Patterson , E.P. Davis, HobartA. Hare, EX. Dercum.].Chalmers DaCosta, Thomas McCrae, and J. Parsons Schaeffer. As of 1988 there were 124 AOA chapters in 127 accredited medical schoo ls. The missing chapters were Harvard,Stanfo rd and McGill. In the 19805 a number of students from these schools took the position that AOA was an "elitist" organization, Fig. I. AOA 8.J~ t. Mardi, 1%6, in Mirror Room of 8.Jrcby and ostensibly for that reason did not wish to main Holet H.1nq' J. Sug.JfTJW1 (Prnicknt), John H. Hodges (Fac· ulty Advisor) and J. hrsons Sch.1~ffrr Ifol'TTtn' Ad\lisorl seated tain their chapters. In a consecutive five-year pe Jrft to right. riod each of these schools failed to elect students to membership which, according to a statuteof the Fig. 2. ADA Banq u~t. Mardi, 1%6, in Barclay Holel. E. Harokt society, required an automatic revoca tion of the Hinman, Ph.D., M.D., Nicholas A. Michels, D.Se., Baldw in chapter charter. This sad action had to be taken in L. Keys, M.D., two stude nts, Ben jam in F. Haslo: eJl, M.D., Thaddeus L. Monl gomery, M.D. and student sealed left to right 1990, d espite a more positive point of view by arou nd table. many faculty and alumni AOA mem bers of these ~n dan d Lo re 112 schools. According to Robert J.Glaser, M.D., Na Recen tly elected Alpha Omega Alpha members tional ADA Executive Director and himself an at Jefferson have been actively engaged in aidi ng ADA gradua te of Harvard Med ical School and a their fellow students and the institution and com former Dean of the Stanford Medical School, "it is munity as a whole. Some of the various projects paradoxical that students who take a negative po include:clinical workshops, journal club, first and sition about AOA seem not to take the same posi second year tutoring, high school teaching (pre tion about Phi Beta Kappa even though Phi Beta ventive health ), a big brother/ sister program, resi Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha are clearly com dency program interviews, guidelines, literatu re parabl e in terms of the values for w hich they discussion group, AOA/ Hare lecture sponsorship, stand ." It is hoped that at a later date the students clinical years manual, research committee for plac then in these schools will have a change of heart ing first and second year students in laboratory and take steps to reactivate their chapters. positions, pre-med counseling, aid ing in introd uc The Faculty Ad visors for the Jefferson Chapter tion to clinical medicine, physical diagnosis, car have served for varying numbers of years and the olling on the ped iatric floor, 2nd /3rd year sched exact tenure of each is not recorded. Their order uling, Anatomy laboratory aid, clinical correlation of succession however, has been as follows: Will in reading ofradiographs,and introduction to clini iam M.L. Coplin, J. Parsons Schaeffer, Thomas A. cal medicine case presentations. Sha llow, Ken neth E. Fry, John H. Hodges and Throu gh the yea rs the lofty standards of this Frederick B. Wagner, Jr. The Black and Blue Ball: Kappa Beta Phi and Student Aid The Kappa Beta Phi Fraternity was organized Black and Blue Ball was held at the Penn Athletic in 1924in order to bring the medical students to Club. This was at the height of the "Great Depree gether socially, to widen their circle of friends, and sion," when President Franklin D. Roosevelt tem to ease their intensity of study. Members were se pora rily dosed all the banks in the country. The lected from the upper two classes, with each fra Dance was named after the school colors, with Eli ternity providing an equal but limited number of R.Saleeby UMC, '22),a member of the surgicalstaff, participants, and the non-fraternity group adding as sponsor. Dr. Saleeby (Fig. 1) assumed this role to the total, to form a democratic cross section of for the next 29 years, until he relinquished the re the student body. Dean Ross V. Patterson agreed sponsibility in 1962. Following the death of Dean to be the sponsor. Patterson in 1938 he became the "Grand Swipe" of Parties and sporadic get-togethers took place Kappa Beta Phi and continued as the spo nsor to until 1933, at which time the first formal Annual motivate the hard work and energy of the various Student Organlzetions 113 support for their needy classmates. The first check to the Dean was submitted in 1949, and by 1956 the Fund was able to aid several students. A law in the United States to prohibit the manu facture and sale of alcoholic beverages was passed in 1919and implemented in 1920. The medical stu dents reacted by organizing the Kappa Beta Phi Fraternity as a secret drinking society. Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the society came above ground and sponsored the first Annual Black and Blue Ball. For more than two decades the event was one of drinking and dancing. FO Lesend and Lore 114 was the next to be made a Guest of Honor at the Fig. 2. Table at Black and Blue Ball (1947). Left 10 right: Ann Ball. The following year Dean William F. Kellow l ois Davis (R.N., '43 ), Donald Watkins (JMe, '47), EmilyGerfin (R.N., '44 ), Clare nce Hewitt (JMC, 1'44), Jean lockwood received the same honor, which became a yearly Wagner (R.N., '41), Frede rick Wagner, Jr. (JMC, '41), Ruth custom. The author was made an honoree in 1981 Kiefman Giletto (R.N., '41), and Basil GileUo (JMC, '3 7). (Fig. 4), the year in which Eli Saleeby, Jr. gradu ated. The custom of having a guest of honor from the faculty or administration, the change from cocktail to dinner dance, the continuation of sup port to the Student Aid Fund , and the decorous conduct of stude nts have together established the Dance as equal to the finest among the medical colleges in the country. A commemorative ash tray was issued in 1958 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Ball (Fig. 5). After 60 years (1933-93), the Annual Blackand Blue Ball has evolved into an undergraduate student sponsored social affair of which the Medical Col lege may well be proud (Fig. 6). Since 1962, solely under the aegis of the students themselves, they have uniformly been an unqualified success. Older alumni will recall the dedicated sponsorship of Dr. Saleeby for nearly three decades. This legendary alumnus died in 1967 at the age of 66. His name will alwa ys remain associated with the history of Fig. 3. Mr. Percival Foerdeeer, Chairman of Boa rd ofTrust ees, the Black and Blue Ball. an honoree in 1960 . Student Organtaenons 115 R fig. 4. PLlique honoring frede'rid B. W~gner, Jr. tlMC. '4 1) ~ t frg. 5. Commemorative' ash tray for 25th annive'rwry of the 198 1 8l.u:k and Blue' B~ II. BI~d .lind Blue' Ball. fig . 6. D~ncing.lll BI~d .lind Blue' Ball (194 7). Legend and Lore 116 = Aleph Yod He Hebrew Fraternity The Aleph Yod He Fraternity, first organized in Jefferson was Jay F. Schamberg, Chairman of 1909 at the University of Pennsylvania, established Dermatology (1918-20>, In addition to writing two a Gimel Cha pter at Jefferson in 1911 Student Organuattcns 117 William Osler, right (Professor of Mt"tficine, Johns Hopkins Mt"tfical School) with lamt"'!li C. Wilson (Professor of Mt"tficine.lefferson Mt"tfi cal College) at a meeting of the J.e. Wilson Mt"tf ical Society at Jefferson in 1895. Lesend and Lore JIB