[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     HONORING WAYNE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY FOR 150 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 1999

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate a medical 
society which has provided quality service to Detroit, Wayne County, 
and the State of Michigan for the last 150 years.
  On April 14, 1849 with just 50 physicians, the Wayne County Medical 
Society was founded. Today, with more than 4,200 physicians in their 
membership, they continue to provide Metropolitan Detroit with the 
highest caliber of service and outstanding commitment to those in need.
  As they celebrate their sesquicentennial anniversary, the Wayne 
County Medical Society has labored to promote and encourage the unity 
and loyalty of the physicians of the community into a strong and 
cohesive medical society. They have brought into one organization the 
physicians of this county and with other county societies to form the 
Michigan State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
  This beloved medical society provides continuing medical education 
for physicians, and maintains a program of educational service to the 
public on health and scientific matters. But, most of all they insure 
that a patient's freedom to choose a physician be maintained, and that 
patients receive the highest quality of medical care.
  Over the years the Wayne County Medical Society has had a positive 
impact on the public health of both Detroit and Wayne County. One of 
its most memorable accomplishments came under the direction of its 
former president, Dr. Francis P. Rhoades, who led a polio immunization 
drive which immunized thousands of Detroiters and virtually eliminated 
the threat of this crippling disease.
  Today, the Wayne County Medical Society runs a free medical and 
dental clinic at the Webber School in Detroit. Every child is afforded 
free services including physical examinations, health education, dental 
fluoride, sealants and prophylaxis. In addition they organized an 
annual Christmas Party for children in foster care. Last year, they 
sponsored a teen pregnancy conference with more than 500 Detroit Public 
School children in attendance.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pride that I pay tribute to 
this exceptional medical society whose tradition of assisting those 
most in need is truly a part of Michigan's great history. I ask that 
all of my colleagues join me in recognizing the Wayne County Medical 
Society of Michigan on their 150th anniversary.

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