Necessary to Success in Sanitarium Work by R. A. Underwood

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1910

Necessary to Success in Sanitarium Work

By R. A. Underwood

I HAVE been asked to submit a few suggestions as to what I regard as indispensable to success in our sanitarium work. In this I will briefly speak of our larger sanitariums, and will not include what we sometimes call sanitariums, which are little more than treatment-rooms. Treatment-rooms may be conducted successfully with few facilities.

First, the most important equipment for a successful sanitarium is a good physician. I do not mean by this simply an M. D. who may be a good, conscientious Christian; this is essential, but he must be more than a Christian. He must be a man with endowments and qualifications that give him a natural fitness as a physician and a leader of men. Tact and skill are essential, in addition to the acquired knowledge of the profession. He must be an ever-growing man.

President Garfield was once asked what he regarded as essential to the maintenance of a successful college. His reply in substance was: “First, a good teacher at its head, and second, students who want to learn.” He further said: “Johns Hopkins on one end of a log, as teacher, and James Garfield on the other end, as a student, would make a successful college.”

Adapting this illustration to our sanitarium work, the two essentials are, first, good doctors; second, patients receiving treatment. The greatest asset any sanitarium can have is to be manned with strong, large-souled, broad-minded, thoroughly qualified Christian physicians and business management, who believe in the rational methods of treating the sick which God has connected with the closing work of the gospel.

Second, the head physicians of our sanitariums, if possible, should be good surgeons and should possess business ability. They may not have the detailed business to look after. However, that harmony of action and economy may be exercised, the head physician should be in close touch with the resources and expenses of the institution at all times.

Third, co-operation of physicians, business manager, and all the helpers of the institution is absolutely essential to success. This co-operation should be shared by the board of trustees, conference committee, laborers in the conference, and the entire membership of the conference. To secure this co-operation there must be the fullest information given to all interested concerning the purposes of the sanitarium, its value as a medical institution, its influence as an educational factor, its needs, and what it is accomplishing in bringing souls into the message.

Fourth, equal in importance to the right kind of physician is the spiritual atmosphere of the institution. A devoted, God-fearing person of ability as a teacher, should be connected with every sanitarium, one who gives his entire time to the religious interest of the helpers and patients of the institution. Such a person may be a minister, or a woman who is qualified to teach the truth in an acceptable and comforting manner to all.

Fifth, we should let the people know what we are doing. It is true that our best advertisements are the patients that go from our institutions among the people. However, this is not sufficient. Cranks and fanatics should have no place in the institution, nor should any immoral person be permitted to remain long in the institution, even as a patient, for one such person destroys and tears down more than many can build up.

Sixth, buildings and other equipments, which are very necessary, can not supply any lack in the foregoing essentials for success, and to rely upon a pleasant location, with ample buildings for success, is but to lean upon a broken reed, and to realize in the end failure.

Seventh, our claims to advance light in all that pertains to hygiene and sanitation should be fully sustained in the surroundings of the institution and in all that pertains to its work. In some cases there is an opportunity for improvement. We ought to be in the lead rather than the following State institutions as we are in some features of our work.

Why should we not insist that the cow, from which we secure milk and butter, shall share in the blessings of wholesome air, sunlight, and cleanliness in her apartment where she is confined so much of the time, especially in the winter season? If we expect the cow to be healthy and to be a blessing to mankind, as the Almighty designed, why should not our institutions be an example to our people and the world, in providing stables with as much sunlight, pure air, and freedom from dampness as we would expect in quarters we would occupy ourselves? State institutions are doing this, and why should we be trailing far behind? No wonder that we hear so much about tuberculosis in the cow, when she is so often shut up in a dark, filthy stable.

In closing, I will say, We must bring our expenses within our receipts. We must undertake to start no more sanitariums than we can successfully equip and man with suitable physicians and business management. We must give the people all we promise. We should make the sanitarium the most homelike, restful place to mind and body to be found anywhere to the afflicted seeking health.

R. A. UNDERWOOD.