Henry Baird Favill, AB, MD, LL.D., 1860-1916, a ... - University Library

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HENRY BAIRD FA V ILL
future of medicine, as judged by the present practice of
medicine, is undergoing a change. There is no one here
who does not recognize that there is not as much practice
as there used to be, and that it is not accidental, but that
it is a phase of some evolutionary process. Now without
undertaking to explain that, or going into any detail, I
want to call your attention to the fact that the whole
medical profession is in a state of transition.
The interests
of the large masses of people are the interests of the medical
profession. The practice of medicine is not a mere practice
amongst the aristocrats, the wealthy, or even the wellto-do.
The great facts of the practice of medicine are
the facts of the masses of people. You know that the
interests of the masses of people are becoming more and
more recognized as the legitimate interests of the State, the
legitimate interests of public officials in one way or another,
for reasons which are perfectly obvious. More and more
we are coming to see the trend of medical affairs as applied
to the mass of people, drawing ever toward officialism
or some modification of officialism. Of this I have no
considerable doubt. I think everybody's observation must
bear this out. Personally I can not look with any great
eagerness towards ultra-officialism in the administration of
medical affairs.
would be better,
as is
I believe that the modification of officialism
but there can be only such modification
incident to and consequent upon an awakening sense
on the part of the medical profession, of its importance in
public health affairs, and consequently its obligation in public
health affairs.
In my opinion, the only way that the medical profession
is going to save itself from the smothering influence of State
intervention. State dominance, if you like, in the broad and
deep affairs of medical practice, as related to public health,
is by seeing its own importance, its obligation, and hence
by its effort to get into such a relationship of indispensable
value to the whole subject as to make it the necessary and