History
The Women’s Auxiliary to the Southern Medical Association was formed at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans on November 25, 1924. Mrs. Seale Harris of Birmingham, Alabama was the organizing chairman. Mrs. E. Cary of Dallas, Texas was the first president and there were 88 charter members from 16 states and the District of Columbia.
The medical establishment at the time did not greet the Auxiliary with open arms; in fact, they were not even tolerated in some areas. Yet, these spouses persevered and today, over 80 years later, the Southern Medical Association Alliance (formerly the Auxiliary) is a strong and vibrant organization. Then, as now, there are no dues collected from SMAA members as all spouses of SMA members are automatically considered Alliance members.
From the very beginning, SMAA members not only helped found the American Medical Association Alliance but worked alongside the AMAA to promote projects including the distribution of Hygeia Magazine in 1925-26.
Two projects distinguished the SMAA:
In 1930 President S.A. Collum suggested that the membership gather “the medical romances of our Southland” and a Research Committee was appointed. Biographies of 26 physicians from eleven states were collected by the “Research and Romance Committee”. The red anthurium was chosen as the official flower of the SMAA. All historical material was moved to the Auxiliary Room at SMA Headquarters in 1958. SMAA’s dedication to the medical heritage of physicians was born and continues to this day with the awarding of the Dr. and Mrs. Milford O. Rouse Trophy for the best overall medical heritage project. The name of the “Research and Romance Committee” was changed to “Medical Heritage” in 1986.
The other major project was the celebration of Doctors’ Day, which began in Barrow County, Georgia in 1933. The red carnation was the flower chosen to represent physicians. In 1952 the first Doctors’ Day Luncheon was held at the Annual Meeting, a practice that continued until the end of the century. In 1954 the first Doctors’ Day certificates were awarded. Auxiliary President Mrs. George Feldner and her husband donated the trophy to be awarded annually for the best county Doctors’ Day project. The Guy Smith Kirby trophy for the second best project was established a few years later. Doctors’ Day has become one of the most celebrated events in medical communities across the nation, not just in the South. In 1958 the U.S. House of Representatives recognized Doctors’ Day through a resolution of appreciation for the medical profession. In 1990, after years of Auxiliary effort, Congress passed, and President Bush signed, a bill proclaiming March 30 as National Doctors’ Day.
In 1935-36 Councilors from each state were appointed to carry the message of the Southern Medical Association Alliance back to their states. Interim meetings of the officers were held at the AMA Auxiliary convention in June each year and a “Southern Breakfast” became a popular event there until it was dropped “by request” because other regions felt left out! The SMAA President and the AMAA President continue to support each other and attend the other’s annual conventions.
Over the years the name of the Alliance changed from the Women’s’ Auxiliary to the Southern Medical Association to the Southern Medical Association Auxiliary to the present denotation. The Southern Connection newsletter was first printed in the 1980’s, which were prosperous years for the Alliance.
The first Breast Cancer Awareness Committee was appointed in 1992. At the 1993 convention the bylaws were changed to reflect the Auxiliary’s major program areas of Membership, Doctors’ Day, Medical Heritage and Health Education with the appointment of four Vice Presidents. In 1994 the first health education exhibits were brought to convention and the Eileen Martin award was given for the Best Health Project.
In 1999 the SMAA had a gala celebration for its 75th Anniversary. The new millennium saw a return , at the request of the SMA, of the fundraising efforts by the SMAA to support the SMA Research and Education Endowment Fund. In 2004 the SMAA added osteoporosis and women’s heart health to their health education program area. The name of the organization was changed to the Southern Medical Association Alliance.
Throughout the years, the Alliance has been at the forefront of changes in the medical community through educational programs, support of the medical family, and preserving the history of physicians, while showcasing their dedication to the health of the Southern states. In the years ahead the Alliance remains committed to the goals and projects set forth by the strong women who founded the Auxiliary and the men and women who will continue the legacy.
Please contact Lisa O’Daniel at 1-800-423-4992 ext. 181 to receive a Doctors’ Day order form or to place an order for products to help you observe this special event in your community or state.
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