 |
 |
|
|
History of the Medical Chapter The History of the Medical Alumni Chapter is long, and rich with tradition. In 1911, a group of enthusiastic medical alumni formed a group whose main interest was to organize scientific lectures and conferences. This was principally for the benefit of alumni physicians practicing in Lebanon, especially those who were not in direct contact with the A.U.B. School of Medicine. The First Medical Conference, held in April 1911, marked the official birth of the Medical Alumni Association (as it was then called) with Dr. Salim Jalkh as President, Dr. Ni’ma Nucho as Secretary-Treasurer, Dr. Harry Dorman as Secretary of Medical Literature. As far as is known, this preceded, by several years, the formation of the general A.U.B. Alumni Association whose first constitution appeared in 1923. The Medical Alumni continued to function as an association, increasing its scientific activities not only in Lebanon, but also abroad where representatives were appointed. A medical conference was held annually except during the years of World Wars I and II. In 1921, the number of Executive Committee members was increased to five, and again in 1927, it was increased to seven when representative of alumni of the Dental and Pharmacy Schools joined the Committee. At present, there are seven members on the Executive Committee, all from the alumni of the School of Medicine. In November 1951, the medical conferences underwent a major change when the Faculty of Medicine, in conjunction with the Medical Alumni Association, organized the First Medical Symposium. Alumni from all over the world, together with international authorities in various fields of medicine, were invited to attend and participate in the Symposium at West Hall; it was indeed a historical landmark. In 1954, the Symposium became the Middle East Medical Assembly (MEMA), and was thereafter held every year, gradually gaining international repute until 1975, when it had to be suspended because of the unfortunate events in Lebanon. In 1988 a modest MEMA was held lasting only a day and a half. In 1992 MEMA was revived and has since been held on a yearly basis. Organizationally, after the formation of the A.U.B. Alumni Association a certain dichotomy was created. The Medical Alumni Association continued its autonomy, yet it was represented on the Alumni Association by one of its members at large. To remove the dichotomy and to enjoy a more legal status, the Medical Alumni Association decided, in the 1960s, to become a chapter of the general Alumni Association, and to have one of its elected officers serve on the Alumni Association Council as representative of the Chapter. The Medical Alumni Chapter, with the enthusiastic members of its successive committees, gradually expanded its activities. Besides the MEMA, monthly lectures and panel discussions were held at the Alumni Club, and postgraduate lectures and seminars were organized in most of the neighboring countries. A close cooperation was established with the Alumni Association of the French Faculty of Medicine in Beirut, which led to the commencement of several joint scientific and social activities in the 1960s. The Chapter also participated actively in the Lebanese Order of Physicians, contributing to the Order’s efforts to promote and maintain professional standards, as well as to publish the Lebanese Medical Journal. To achieve one of its main objectives, the establishment of a scholarship fund, the Chapter coordinated its activities with the School of Medicine and with the Alma Mater in general. The Chapter initiated the fund. It was then donated to A.U.B.’s "Matching Fund" to establish the Medical Alumni Scholarship Loan Fund from which, each year, a number of deserving and needy medical students benefit. Socially, the Chapter has, in the past, organized several yearly activities including gala cinema performances and dinner-dances, the proceeds of which were donated to the scholarship fund. In addition, the graduating class of the School of Medicine is honored each year at a luncheon during which the graduates are initiated into the Chapter. But perhaps the most significant activity is the reunion of medical alumni once a year at a luncheon during MEMA. These luncheons, usually held in May, became a forum for the election of the Executive Committee of the Chapter every alternate year. Early in the 1970s the activity of issuing invitations to the class celebrating their twenty-fifth year after graduation was also begun and, as a memento, each member was presented with either the Medical Alumni Shield, or one of its specially prepared souvenirs. The Chapter gives two awards to honor its prominent members. The Gold Medal Award, established in 1956, is given bi-annually to a medical alumnus who has distinguished him/herself through accomplishments in professional and/or community service. The Merit Award, begun in 1973, is given annually to pay special tribute to medical alumni who have rendered noteworthy and distinguished services to the Medical Alumni Chapter. With respect to publications, it was through the singular efforts of Dr. Farid Haddad (M.D. 1948) the first Medical Alumni Directory appeared in 1960. Subsequently it appeared every other year until 1974 when its publication was interrupted by the situation in Lebanon. The next directory appeared in 1980 and then in 1986 (9th edition). Besides the directory the Chapter has published the Medical section of the Al-Kuliyah magazine providing news of alumni and of the School of Medicine to all alumni. Al-Kuliyah, however has been one of the victims of the war in Lebanon. The Chapter therefore started a newsletter, Scan, in April 1983, to improve communications and relations with alumni, and focus on important events at the Faculty of Medicine and of the Medical Center. Medical alumni in the United States have established three professional associations, namely the A.U.B. Surgical Society of North America, Inc., and the A.U.B. Psychiatry Alumni and the Ophthalmology Alumni Associations. These have contributed towards maintaining good relations with the Medical Chapter. The Chapter has survived and thrived through all adversities to serve fellow alumni and the Alma Mater. J.D. Thaddeus (M.D.’50) Founders*
* Deceased |
|