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Dr. Connie Micklavzina calls becoming president of the Orange County Medical Society the height of her medical career. “It was the greatest honor my fellow doctors could bestow on me,’’ said the Orlando obstetrician.

The prestigious medical society has impacted the lives of local physicians like Micklavzina for 100 years.

A century ago, another physician, Dr. John McEwan opened the doors of his home to nine other doctors from Orlando and Sanford, paving the way for future physicians and their years of advocacy, camaraderie, and education and grassroots activities.

On May 26, the Orange County Medical Society will celebrate its 100th anniversary, an opportune time to reflect on the roots of an organization that has for 10 decades represented physicians dedicated to serving their patients and community and protecting the integrity of the practice of medicine.

An article in the Bulletin of the Orange provides some insight into the earliest years, which found physicians educating each other on eclampsia, small pox, leprosy, bubonic plague and pellagra, among other subjects.

While medical ethics was the topic of a 1911 meeting, several programs over the years were devoted to the financial side of the practice of medicine. In 1909, the organization established a “fee bill”— a sign of how much times have changed. House visits in the city were priced at $2 to $5 during the day but higher — $3 to $10 — between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Office visits cost $1 to $10.

At the 1937 banquet, Dr. C.D. Christ remarked that 15 to 20 miles per hours was fast time in making house calls on the sands roads of the day. A consultation fee at that time was $10 to $25 while a “simple” obstetrical case cost $25 to $100. “Amputation of tonsils” carried a price tag of $25 to $100, while a hysterectomy cost $100 to $500 and a laparotomy $100 to $500.

But, of course, everything cost less back then — even the medical society’s first banquet. Held at the San Juan Hotel on January 26, 1910, the event, which included a “substantial supper” as well as alcohol, set the organization back $29.20.

The Orange County Medical Society entertained the state association in 1914, raising $25 from each local member to defray the expenses of the meeting, which was held at the Elks Hall.

At a meeting later that year, physicians discussed syphilis, including the “evil thereof,” followed by presentations the following month on the early diagnosis of arteriosclerosis, and the surgical treatment of aneurism.

At the February 1918 meeting, Dr. J.S. McEwan shared his medical experiences in France, which was followed by a suspension in meetings in late 1918 and early 1919 because of the influenza epidemic.

The first mention of irradiation treatment of disease was by Dr. Christ at a 1920 meeting, when physicians discussed the use of radium. Six years later, another member spoke of irradiation and the value of X-ray in focal infection. In 1953, Dr. Robery Curry spoke at a meeting on the medical issues of radio active isotopes and in 1955, Dr. James Campbell discussed the treatment of carcinoma of the prostate with radio active gold.

The Orange County Medical Society has been active lobbying for legislative changes over the years. As early as 1911, society leaders appointed the first public policy and legislation committee. The organization has consistently worked closely with city and county officials to provide care to the indigent.
On February 2 of this year, Dr. Robert L. Rothbard was sworn in as the 100th society president. A partner with Cardiology Consultants, Rothbard has a lengthy history of distinguished service to the society, including chairing the Political Action Committee and serving as a delegate to the Florida Medical Association.

Next month, Orlando Medical News will look at the current happenings of the Orange County Medical Society and what lies ahead for this century-old organization.



April 2008

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