History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

CHAPTER XXIVMEDICAL JOURNALISM IN ILLINOISByMORRIS FISHBEIN, M.D.* andBARBARA FISHBEIN FRIEDELLWITH THE ASSISTANCE OFELLA M. SALMONSEN andMRS. JOHN VAN PROHASKATHEIntroductionpublication of medical periodicals in Illinois has paralleled closelythe development of the area as a medical center. The astute leaderswho founded the medical schools, built medical institutions, organizedmedical societies, and even those who originated and promoted weirdmedical beliefs and systems found publicity important in furthering theirobjectives. Thus the periodicals took the color of the men and the motivations,and in their titles reflect both.Through the vast energy and indomitable leadership of Dr. Nathan S.Davis, Illinois became the headquarters of the American Medical Associationand the place of publication of The Journal of the American MedicalAssociation. Through the organizational ability of Dr. George H. Simmons,particularly with the aid of Dr. Frank Billings, The Journal gained circulationand prestige.This activity was directly related to the work of Dr. Franklin H. Martinof Chicago, who organized the American College of Surgeons, establishedSurgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, and made it the leading surgicaljournal of its time.The American Hospital Association with headquarters in Chicago nowpublishes Hospitals, the leading hospital journal, and also Trustee, designedto cement lay support into hospital construction and maintenance.In Chicago also are the headquarters of the American Dental Associationand its official publication; the International College of Surgeons and itsjournal; the Association of American Medical Colleges and its periodical.Because of his long experience as Editor of the Journal of the American MedicalAssociation, Dr. Fishbein writes with authority on the history of medical journalism inIllinois. He has been ably assisted by his co-workers whose names appear above.—Editor480