History of FMMS

RECOLLECTIONS
This 376-page volumne represents the history of the Fresno-Madera Medical Society, medical care and te people who shaped medicine in Fresno and Madera counties. The volumne contains oral histories of past Medical Society presidents, histories of medical specialties and special reports collected and edited by members of FMM'Ss Historical Committee. $49 (Shipping and tax included). Information: call (559) 224-4224, ext. 110.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Fresno-Madera Medical Society is to promote the art and science of medicine, the care and well-being of patients, the enhancement of the public's health, and the general welfare of the medical profession; to cooperate with organizations of like purpose; and to unite with similar societies in California as component societies of the California Medical Association.

Principles of Medical Ethics

The medical profession has long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the benefit of the patient. As a member of this profession, a physician must recognize responsibility to patients first and foremost, as well as to society, to other health professionals, and to self. The following Principles adopted by the American Medical Association are not laws, but standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behavior for the physician.

Principles of medical ethics

The medical profession has long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the benefit of the patient. As a member of this profession, a physician must recognize responsibility to patients first and foremost, as well as to society, to other health professionals, and to self. The following Principles adopted by the American Medical Association are not laws, but standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behavior for the physician.

Principles of medical ethics

1. A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical care, with compassion and respect for human dignity and rights.
   
   
2. A physician shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest in all professional interactions, and strive to report physicians deficient in character or competence, or engaging in fraud or deception, to appropriate entities.
   
   
3. A physician shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient.
   
   
4. A physician shall respect the rights of patients, colleagues, and other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences and privacy within the constraints of the law.
   
   
5. A physician shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge, maintain a commitment to medical education, make relevant information available to patients, colleagues, and the public, obtain consultation, and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated.
   
   
6. A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide medical care.
   
   
7. A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to the improvement of the community and the betterment of public health.
   
   
8. A physician shall, while caring for a patient, regard responsibility to the patient as paramount.
   
   
9. A physician shall support access to medical care for all people.

Adopted by the AMA's House of Delegates June 17, 2001.

The Fresno-Madera Medical Society was founded as the Fresno County Medical Society in 1883 and is one of the oldest business/professional organizations in the area. Madera County physicians joined their Fresno colleagues in 1980 and the name of the newly incorporated organization changed to the Fresno-Madera Medical Society. Membership in the Society stands at 1100 and includes both Medical Doctors (MD) and Doctors of Osteopathy (DO) in active, retired, house officer, associate or leave of absence status.

Chester H. Rowell, MD, the first President of the Society when it was formed, served as the Mayor of Fresno and also spent three years in the California Senate thus setting a standard for physician involvement in the political process-a tradition which continues today.

In 1887, the Society organized the first county-wide smallpox vaccination program; in the 1950s it was the polio vaccinations. Presently, the Society continues to work with the local health department to address the recurrence of the tuberculosis problem. The history of concern for the public's health continues.

Not content to address only medical ills and problems, the Society has had a history of spawning other entities and programs including the Central California Blood Center, the Professional Exchange Service Corporation (PESC), the former Fresno Foundation for Medical Care, the Firebaugh-Mendota Health Clinic and Medical Society Administrators, Inc.

The Society and its Historical Committee maintain a small "historical room" which consists of medical equipment, textbooks and volumes of the Society's publications and historical records.