p. 18 | Unification of Medical Methods by R. S. Ingersoll

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 29, 1916

Unification of Medical Methods

By R. S. Ingersoll

As the medical convention closed, and good-bys were said, I am sure we could all have sung from the heart that good old song, “Here I raise my Ebenezer;” for certainly the retrospect of the five days’ counsel together made us feel confident that hitherto had God helped us. Looking forward, one could not but feel that by the full cooperation of all our sanitarium boards in carrying out the ideas agreed upon, the unfortunate “Ichabod” would never appear over any of our doors. To this end may we all work and pray.

Our work has for a long time been characterized by a great diversity of methods in medical and business departments so far as our sanitariums are concerned, so that workers and patients going from one institution to another have found it difficult at times to adjust themselves to the new environment. This condition has caused real discouragement on the part of some helpers, and loss of patronage to the sanitariums.

This convention has been most timely for our sanitarium work, as it comes at a time when the patronage of these institutions is increasing; and if by effort on our part we are able to secure greater uniformity, we shall find it conducive to material benefit.

We are living in a day of specialization. All our sanitarium workers should be especially qualified for their duties. A specialist is a leader and is respected. As each worker becomes more proficient in his work as the result of giving special thought to his particular line, the institution becomes more efficient as a whole, and commands greater respect in the community.

In some cases the carrying out of the new suggestions will seem a hardship to institutions and to workers. However, in the end we shall probably find great benefit as a result of the change. It should be remembered that we are not like the Medes and Persians, who could not change the word spoken. There will be another convention in the near future, where, after we have all had a chance to try our new policies we shall be able to judge still better as to their real value, and to suggest such changes as may seem necessary.

May the Lord give us courage, as boards of management and workers in our sanitariums, to cooperate in this effort to bring about uniformity. God is a God of order, and will most assuredly bless us in our efforts to unify the work. Let us pray and work and study, outside as well as in our convention halls, until we have brought this sanitarium work to the high plane of efficiency in every line which will be pleasing to our heavenly Father.

R. S. INGERSOLL, M. D.