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

ethical basis.
MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 325
It involves simply the creation by the State
of a tribunal which shall earnestly and honestly investigate
and pass upon the qualifications of all
men who wish
to be so accredited.
Why is not this plan open to all the difficulties and
objections of the plan of licensing?
First, because no individual rights are in question and
the factor of public interest stands out clearly defined and
uncomplicated. Second, because an examination based
upon that principle would be a constant and increasing
stimulus to medical schools toward real education and away
from formal education. Third, it would be comparatively
easy to decree that public health administrators of all degree
could come only from such an accredited list. Fourth, it
is hoped, and I believe with reason, that the public would
rapidly be educated to the significance of such registration
or the lack of it.
All exercise of police power is a subject for apology essentially
related to an exigency and theoretically temporary
and provisional. The object of Hcensing is not primarily
to restrict the individuals who practice, but to offset the
ignorance of the public employing the physicians. Education
of the public as to a basis of selection is the real point
to be desired, rather than undue restriction. The more
clearly the elements of qualification and competency can be
set forth in this classification, the greater will be the influence
upon the minds of the public.
Of course, the objection to the plan is that it will leave
in practice a very large number of incompetent physicians.
Those who are looking into this are disposed to think that
the number will be no greater under that plan than under
the present plan. With all its drawbacks, however, it will
have the merit of furnishing a reliable list of medical men
whose qualifications have been in fact determined.
This can not be said of any list now in existence, determined
by any governmental process.