- Education, Medical History, Human Growth and Development, Medical Education, Medical Education (in Education), Teacher Education, and 7 moreHistory of Medical Education, Pediatrics and Child Health, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Pharmacokinatic, Medical Sciences, Graduate medical education, and Postgraduate medical educationedit
- Alexander Ashley Weech, MD, physician, investigator, and teacher of Gainesville, Florida died Aug 17, 1977 at the age... moreAlexander Ashley Weech, MD, physician, investigator, and teacher of Gainesville, Florida died Aug 17, 1977 at the age of 81 ending a long service to the field of pediatrics, whom he helped pioneer into a modern specialty serving the medical needs of developing children.
Dr. Weech was chief editor of the American Medical Association's American Journal of Diseases of Children serving on the editorial board from 1943 to 1959 and in 1963 was appointed chief editor until he retired in 1972. He was the first chief editor to take the editorial helm who was previously a pediatrician-in-chief of a major hospital.
Born in Baltimore on Nov 10th 1895, Dr Weech received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1921. He remained at Johns Hopkins until 1928 investigating early biochemistry involving liver, nutrition, proteins, and cell A&P function while applying modern method of statistics to diseases of early childhood in an emerging pediatric specialty in the United States. These experimental series studies led Dr. Weech to receive the Harvey Lecture Award and presented results on November 17, 1939 in a paper entitled, "The Significance of the Albumin Fraction of Serum". In 1927 he travelled to Peking Union Medical College hospital in China as pediatrician-in-chief under the Rockefeller Foundation and continued teaching (a picture of him hangs on a wall in this institution as of 2012). He returned to the United States in 1930 and held several faculty appointments at Columbia University. In 1935 while working at Columbia P&S in affiliation with New York Babies Hospital, he treated the first patient in the United States with an antibiotic (prontosil) after researching Domagk's clinical results. In 1941, he accepted the position of 3rd B. K. Rachford Chair of Pediatrics of professorship at the University of Cincinnati Medical College. At the same time, he was appointed Chief of Staff and Medical Director of the Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati, Director of Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, and Director of Pediatrics and Contagious Diseases in the Cincinnati General Hospital (now University Hospital). He retired in 1962 as professor emeritus and served as Chief Editor of the Journal until 1972. Dr. Weech remained in Cincinnati and held staff appointments at the Children's Hospital, Cincinnati General Hospital, and the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphan's Home. In 1973 he moved to Gainesville, Fla, where he became professor emeritus of pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine and remained in that position until his death while teaching and publishing. Dr Weech was active in numerous organizations and served as president of the Society for Pediatric Research (1940 to 1941), chairman of the Council of the American Pediatric Society (1948 to 1949) and then president (1957 to 1958) of that organization, and president of the American Board of Pediatrics (1953-1954 and 1960-1961). In addition, he was a special consultant to the Committee on Medical Research of the Office of Scientific Research and Development and to the Public Health Service on pediatric facilities for student nurses. He was also a member of the medical fellowship board of the National Research Council. A recipient of many awards, Dr Weech received the 1956 Borden Award of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the 1963 Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center Distinguished Service Medal, the Abraham Jacobi Award of the American Medical Association in 1967, and the coveted 26th John Howland Award from the American Pediatrics Society in April 1977. Dr. Weech was the last recipient of the Howland Award who was also a pupil of Dr. John Howland at Johns Hopkins (Ashley Weech graduated first in class and second was Katherine Dodd).
Although Dr. Weech was regarded as an excellent scientist, researcher, and clinician, his first love was always teaching. He served generations of medical students teaching from 1921-1977 that spanned the globe. His editorial hand was brilliant and it has been stated he helped countless authors with thousands of articles for the American Journal of Diseases of Children, and according to a few, his name could have been easily added to the authoring peer-reviewed articles and although his was not is a testimony to his character and humble approach to life and art in human relationships.edit
The use of a sulfonamide compound in Germany in 1933 heralded the beginning of the antibiotic era in medicine. Two years later it was first used in America, and for pediatricians this event is especially poignant, since the patient... more
The use of a sulfonamide compound in Germany in 1933 heralded the beginning of the antibiotic era in medicine. Two years later it was first used in America, and for pediatricians this event is especially poignant, since the patient receiving the drug was a child in a famous pediatric hospital being cared for by distinguished pediatricians, one of whom personally gave the first injection. This event has been recognized, but the full story has never been told.
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The New York Times. (1977, August 20). Dr. Ashley Weech, 82, A Pediatrics Expert: Taught at universities in Florida, Ohio, New York, and China. The New York Times.
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A child, one of the most flawless mirrors fashioned by nature, reflects what he sees, feels, and experiences. Loved, he is responsive; secure, he is confident; wanted, he is outgoing. In health, he is active. In illness, the mirror may... more
A child, one of the most flawless mirrors fashioned by nature, reflects what he sees, feels, and experiences. Loved, he is responsive; secure, he is confident; wanted, he is outgoing. In health, he is active. In illness, the mirror may become filmed, the image distorted. Still it reflects, to the trained eye, the impact o[ the primary impression. Emotionally stable, he is generally cooperative. Frightened, lonely, or in pain beyond his comprehension, he may be withdrawn or hostile.
Medicine in this country has made such enormous strides, and is generally practiced on such a high level, that treating the total patient is no longer a new concept. The Children's Hospital, in Cincinnati, Ohio, has always recognized that a child, whether sick or well, is first of all a child, not a smaller version of an adult.
The body, physically; the heart as the reservoir of emotions; and the mind as the stimuli for thought, growth, and action, have been interlocked in the hospital's philosophy since it was founded in 1883 by a handful of Episcopal churchwomen. But it has been within the past 30 years that new drugs, new types of treatments, and new surgical procedures have so changed medicine that physicians and nurses have been able to come closer to their ideal of devoting their efforts to the entire child.
"The story of hospital care of children," said A. Ashley Weech, M.D., chief of staff and director of the Research Foundation of the hospital since 1942, "goes back to the early civilizations of Egypt, Greece, India, Ireland, Siam, and Persia, where there is evidence
that hospitals not only existed but admitted children as well as adults.
Weech, A. A. (1960). “A Sick Child is, First of All, a Child …”. Hospital Topics, 38(11), 63-67. doi:10.1080/00185868.1960.9954474
Medicine in this country has made such enormous strides, and is generally practiced on such a high level, that treating the total patient is no longer a new concept. The Children's Hospital, in Cincinnati, Ohio, has always recognized that a child, whether sick or well, is first of all a child, not a smaller version of an adult.
The body, physically; the heart as the reservoir of emotions; and the mind as the stimuli for thought, growth, and action, have been interlocked in the hospital's philosophy since it was founded in 1883 by a handful of Episcopal churchwomen. But it has been within the past 30 years that new drugs, new types of treatments, and new surgical procedures have so changed medicine that physicians and nurses have been able to come closer to their ideal of devoting their efforts to the entire child.
"The story of hospital care of children," said A. Ashley Weech, M.D., chief of staff and director of the Research Foundation of the hospital since 1942, "goes back to the early civilizations of Egypt, Greece, India, Ireland, Siam, and Persia, where there is evidence
that hospitals not only existed but admitted children as well as adults.
Weech, A. A. (1960). “A Sick Child is, First of All, a Child …”. Hospital Topics, 38(11), 63-67. doi:10.1080/00185868.1960.9954474
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Written by Elia M. Ayoub, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA. Dr. Margaret Smith, Dr. Ashley Weech, Members of the Weech Family, Fellow Members and Guests: Five years ago, a... more
Written by Elia M. Ayoub, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Dr. Margaret Smith, Dr. Ashley Weech, Members of the Weech Family, Fellow Members and Guests: Five years ago, a communication was circulated by Dr. Gerold L. Schiebler, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida. It announced that Dr. A. Ashley Weech will be joining our faculty. This announcement engendered a variety of reactions: smiles appeared on the faces of some, expressing their delight at having the opportunity of getting to know and work with this outstanding teacher and physician. A few others smiled, for a different reason: this was their golden opportunity to get back at the man who tormented them with his questions when they faced him at the Pediatric Board Examination. Many others frowned. They were concerned that they had to face the ordeal of having to listen to "war stories" of days gone by, to be constantly reminded that the old way was the better way, that there was now too much of this and too little of that . . . .
The cautious reception that greeted his arrival soon turned to adulation. Young and old were impressed by this gentleman who had mastered the art of human relations; the man who expressed his thoughts with firmness or subtle humor; the teacher with a deep well of knowledge and valuable experience who sometimes conveyed the most pertinent ideas in a meek and almost apologetic manner; the scholar who, while loving to teach, also loved to learn. Young and old were moved by the wisdom of his silence. It was no coincidence, therefore, that a member of our faculty, not known for his humility, was heard to say "Isn't it a sign of the times that the brightest member in our department is 80 years old . . . ."
Dr. Margaret Smith, Dr. Ashley Weech, Members of the Weech Family, Fellow Members and Guests: Five years ago, a communication was circulated by Dr. Gerold L. Schiebler, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Florida. It announced that Dr. A. Ashley Weech will be joining our faculty. This announcement engendered a variety of reactions: smiles appeared on the faces of some, expressing their delight at having the opportunity of getting to know and work with this outstanding teacher and physician. A few others smiled, for a different reason: this was their golden opportunity to get back at the man who tormented them with his questions when they faced him at the Pediatric Board Examination. Many others frowned. They were concerned that they had to face the ordeal of having to listen to "war stories" of days gone by, to be constantly reminded that the old way was the better way, that there was now too much of this and too little of that . . . .
The cautious reception that greeted his arrival soon turned to adulation. Young and old were impressed by this gentleman who had mastered the art of human relations; the man who expressed his thoughts with firmness or subtle humor; the teacher with a deep well of knowledge and valuable experience who sometimes conveyed the most pertinent ideas in a meek and almost apologetic manner; the scholar who, while loving to teach, also loved to learn. Young and old were moved by the wisdom of his silence. It was no coincidence, therefore, that a member of our faculty, not known for his humility, was heard to say "Isn't it a sign of the times that the brightest member in our department is 80 years old . . . ."
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When I started thinking about a suitable topic for today's address, an address dealing with an award which I consider to be the paramount event of a medical career, a procession of subjects, each with a claim for attention, marched before... more
When I started thinking about a suitable topic for today's address, an address dealing with an award which I consider to be the paramount event of a medical career, a procession of subjects, each with a claim for attention, marched before my eyes. If I should select more than one morsel of reflective pabulum, I feared I should awaken thoughts of Lord Ronald, a character in one of Stephen Leacock's Nonsense Novels, who "flung himself upon his horse and rode madly off in all directions." Nevertheless, contemplation drove home realization of being a victim of circumstance. It will presently appear why I must devote time to two subjects, one of them specific, the other more general. The two subjects are: (1) John Howland, as I knew him, and (2) Teaching. The subjects are not unrelated; Howland was one of my greatest teachers.
Research Interests: Medical Sciences, Pediatrics, Teaching and Learning, Children and Families, Learning and Teaching, and 10 moreFamily Medicine, Medical Education, Medicine, History of Medical Education, Medical Research, Life Story; Biographic Narrative Research, Pediatric Research, Learning to Teach, Professional Development. Medical Education, Faculty Evaluation, Historical Articles, and Johns Hopkins University Medcal School
The text for this essay is found in the second book of the Holy Bible, Exodus 7:20-21, "And all the waters that were in the river were turned ·into blood, and the fish that were in the river died; and the river stank. And all the... more
The text for this essay is found in the second book of the Holy Bible, Exodus 7:20-21, "And all the waters that were in the river were turned ·into blood, and the fish that were in the river died; and the river stank. And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river."
It seems appropriate to begin a dissertation on the Red Tide with what I take to be the earliest recorded reference and, being in the Bible, unquestionably authentic.
Why should I be interested in the Red Tide? The reasons are three in number and I shall enumerate.
It seems appropriate to begin a dissertation on the Red Tide with what I take to be the earliest recorded reference and, being in the Bible, unquestionably authentic.
Why should I be interested in the Red Tide? The reasons are three in number and I shall enumerate.
Research Interests: History, Medical Sciences, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Cellular Biology, and 13 moreHistory of Medicine, Poetry, Philosophy of Medicine, Medical Education, Biblical Studies, Florida Studies, Medicine, Florida history, Fishing, Plants, Exotic animals, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, and Science and Faith
"Science is simply common sense at its best; that is, rigidly accurate in observation and merciless to fallacy in logic." ~ Thomas Henry Huxley Author Information: Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Florida Department... more
"Science is simply common sense at its best; that is, rigidly accurate in observation and merciless to fallacy in logic."
~ Thomas Henry Huxley
Author Information: Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Florida Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A. 32610.
~ Thomas Henry Huxley
Author Information: Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Florida Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A. 32610.
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The scientific program of the Xth Pan American Congress of Pediatrics in Cordoba was excellent. There were 190 papers presented by physicians from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala,... more
The scientific program of the Xth Pan American Congress of Pediatrics in Cordoba was excellent. There were 190 papers presented by physicians from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Venezuela, United States and Uruguay.
By comparison each session of the XIIl th International Congress of Pediatrics in Vienna seemed to suffer from a dearth of thoughtfully selected papers. An occasional worthwhile contribution was engulfed by others which should never have had a place on the program.
The papers at Cordoba fell roughly into two groups. There were those which dealt with poverty, malnutrition, diarrhea, parasitic infestations, infectious diseases and high infant mortality rates; in short, acute problems in developing
countries. These presentations seemed to contain something of a cry for help and I found myself moved by a realization that here was a purpose for international cooperation. If there is such a thing - and unfortunately I know there is - as national pride coupled with jealousy and international animosity, then it should be noted that such feelings were either completely suppressed or entirely absent in a gathering of physicians dedicated to the welfare, health and happiness of young children regardless of color, creed or country.
By comparison each session of the XIIl th International Congress of Pediatrics in Vienna seemed to suffer from a dearth of thoughtfully selected papers. An occasional worthwhile contribution was engulfed by others which should never have had a place on the program.
The papers at Cordoba fell roughly into two groups. There were those which dealt with poverty, malnutrition, diarrhea, parasitic infestations, infectious diseases and high infant mortality rates; in short, acute problems in developing
countries. These presentations seemed to contain something of a cry for help and I found myself moved by a realization that here was a purpose for international cooperation. If there is such a thing - and unfortunately I know there is - as national pride coupled with jealousy and international animosity, then it should be noted that such feelings were either completely suppressed or entirely absent in a gathering of physicians dedicated to the welfare, health and happiness of young children regardless of color, creed or country.
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This is Ashley's last issue as Editor-in-Chief. ALEXANDER ASHLEY WEECH: The Journal, its Editorial Board, its staff, and its readers are going to miss you. Not everyone can be a scholar and a scientist and a doctor and an... more
This is Ashley's last issue as Editor-in-Chief.
ALEXANDER ASHLEY WEECH: The Journal, its Editorial Board, its staff, and its readers are going to miss you. Not everyone can be a scholar and a scientist and a doctor and an administrator, but most of us can recognize such versatility when we see it. Your career has been the envy of us all.
My first contact with Ashley came in 1939 when as a student I heard him lecture on the metabolism of the plasma proteins. He had been invited to Rochester as a guest lecturer, to present the results of his experimental investigations. It was a stimulating talk, delivered with syntactical precision—a trait which he later carried with him to the editorial chair. The experimental data were excellent; and I recall that at the conclusion several of us students rushed to the podium to ply him with questions. (I am told, parenthetically, by a physician friend who studied at Columbia in the 1930s that Ashley's lecture on rickets was a gem; he would work at the blackboard diagramming the skeletal and metabolic abnormalities and walk about in mimicry of the rachitic gait.)
ALEXANDER ASHLEY WEECH: The Journal, its Editorial Board, its staff, and its readers are going to miss you. Not everyone can be a scholar and a scientist and a doctor and an administrator, but most of us can recognize such versatility when we see it. Your career has been the envy of us all.
My first contact with Ashley came in 1939 when as a student I heard him lecture on the metabolism of the plasma proteins. He had been invited to Rochester as a guest lecturer, to present the results of his experimental investigations. It was a stimulating talk, delivered with syntactical precision—a trait which he later carried with him to the editorial chair. The experimental data were excellent; and I recall that at the conclusion several of us students rushed to the podium to ply him with questions. (I am told, parenthetically, by a physician friend who studied at Columbia in the 1930s that Ashley's lecture on rickets was a gem; he would work at the blackboard diagramming the skeletal and metabolic abnormalities and walk about in mimicry of the rachitic gait.)
Research Interests:
On this December occasion of farewell to the editorship of the AMERCIAN JOUNRAL OF DISEASES OF CHILDREN, it seems peculiarly appropriate to use a caption the title of Hemingway's great novel of World War I. In 1963 on relinquishing the... more
On this December occasion of farewell to the editorship of the AMERCIAN JOUNRAL OF DISEASES OF CHILDREN, it seems peculiarly appropriate to use a caption the title of Hemingway's great novel of World War I. In 1963 on relinquishing the chairmanship of a Department of Pediatrics, I was challenged by another call to service, not of Army or Navy but, in the sense of service, a call to arms by the JOURNAL. Over nearly a decade I have strived to meet the challenge and in doing so have experienced an internal reward that comes from a feeling of wonder at having a place to serve.
There has been another reward from something of which I was dimly aware at the start but the truth of which is now firmly embedded in satisfying remembrances. I speak of colleagues who have been, are, and always will be, willing to give time and talent, anonymously and without worldly recompense to reviewing and evaluating articles submitted publication. They have made the JOURNAL what it has become. And, in their dedication, they have engendered faith and pride in our profession. With gratefulness I list the Honor Roll for 1972.
There has been another reward from something of which I was dimly aware at the start but the truth of which is now firmly embedded in satisfying remembrances. I speak of colleagues who have been, are, and always will be, willing to give time and talent, anonymously and without worldly recompense to reviewing and evaluating articles submitted publication. They have made the JOURNAL what it has become. And, in their dedication, they have engendered faith and pride in our profession. With gratefulness I list the Honor Roll for 1972.
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Dear Professor Takatsu - I, your senior in age by more than 14 years, am entitled by virtue of seniority to send not only congratulations on a career of professional accomplishment, but also assurance of the good life that follows from... more
Dear Professor Takatsu - I, your senior in age by more than 14 years, am entitled by virtue of seniority to send not only congratulations on a career of professional accomplishment, but also assurance of the good life that follows from the responsibility of directing a department of pediatrics.
One of the outstanding events of my professional life came when in 1965 I was permitted to participate in the International Congress of Pediatrics in Tokyo. Over a period of years, which you and I remember well, our two countries faced each other in tragedy of war. How wonderful during this period to be a physician with a mission in life to relieve pain and suffering, not to inflict it! And how wonderful then and now to reflect that great discoveries in medical science were never shrouded by military secrecy but always distributed freely for the good of all mankind! These feelings existed even when our countrymen were at war. Many human beings were killed and animosity lingered in many who survived.
You, Professor Takatsu, acted in a noble way when you sponsored the International Congress. Not only did the congress advance the science of medicine but it...
One of the outstanding events of my professional life came when in 1965 I was permitted to participate in the International Congress of Pediatrics in Tokyo. Over a period of years, which you and I remember well, our two countries faced each other in tragedy of war. How wonderful during this period to be a physician with a mission in life to relieve pain and suffering, not to inflict it! And how wonderful then and now to reflect that great discoveries in medical science were never shrouded by military secrecy but always distributed freely for the good of all mankind! These feelings existed even when our countrymen were at war. Many human beings were killed and animosity lingered in many who survived.
You, Professor Takatsu, acted in a noble way when you sponsored the International Congress. Not only did the congress advance the science of medicine but it...
Research Interests:
While reading an address by Dana W. Atchley, MD, delivered when he was accepting the Kober Medal of the Association of American Physicians, I ran across the following quotation: "It is rather disturbing for those of us who are on the far... more
While reading an address by Dana W. Atchley, MD, delivered when he was accepting the Kober Medal of the Association of American Physicians, I ran across the following quotation: "It is rather disturbing for those of us who are on the far side of the generation gap to recognize that the young are relatively unaware of history. Perhaps they fail to subject their views to the cleansing discipline of historical perspective."
The quotation touched me with peculiar poignancy. Over a good many years I have participated time and again in the oral examinations of the American Board of Pediatrics. Quite often a candidate will disclose detailed knowledge of a relatively recent discovery of such great importance that it has changed the entire significance of the disorder under discussion. Under these circumstances I have been apt to comment: 'Yes, it was a wonderful event for those who practice medicine when that discovery was made. The man who made it was awarded, and I think you will agree, quite properly, a Nobel Prize. Can you tell me his name and something about him?'
Only on rare occasions do I experience a flush of pleasure when a candidate shows he knows and cares...
The quotation touched me with peculiar poignancy. Over a good many years I have participated time and again in the oral examinations of the American Board of Pediatrics. Quite often a candidate will disclose detailed knowledge of a relatively recent discovery of such great importance that it has changed the entire significance of the disorder under discussion. Under these circumstances I have been apt to comment: 'Yes, it was a wonderful event for those who practice medicine when that discovery was made. The man who made it was awarded, and I think you will agree, quite properly, a Nobel Prize. Can you tell me his name and something about him?'
Only on rare occasions do I experience a flush of pleasure when a candidate shows he knows and cares...
Research Interests:
With the permission of the author, A. Ashley Weech, MD, Chief Editor of the American Journal of Diseases of Children, and fifth recipient of the Abraham Jacobi Award on the section of Pediatrics of the American Medical Association,... more
With the permission of the author, A. Ashley Weech, MD, Chief Editor of the American Journal of Diseases of Children, and fifth recipient of the Abraham Jacobi Award on the section of Pediatrics of the American Medical Association, excerpts from his address follow. These are applicable and of interest to all physicians of whatever specialty.
[VAW: Added Osler's famous speech at end of file - from: http://www.medicalarchives.jhmi.edu/osler/aequessay.htm or https://archive.org/details/aequanimitas00osle.
"Emblazoned on the shield of The Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine is the word Aequanimitas. The term means imperturbability and was regarded by Sir William Osler as the premier quality of a good physician. In his essay, Aequanimitas, Dr. Osler further defines this concept as coolness and presence of mind under all circumstances, calmness amid storm, clearness of judgment in moments of grave peril. In full development, it has the nature of a divine gift, a blessing to the possessor, a comfort to all who come in contact with him. At the beginning of their Osler residency, interns are given a copy of this essay --- both to bolster their spirit and to refresh their memories during the trials of the following year." from Johns Hopkins Medicine at http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Medicine/hstrainingprogram/overview/ ]
[VAW: Added Osler's famous speech at end of file - from: http://www.medicalarchives.jhmi.edu/osler/aequessay.htm or https://archive.org/details/aequanimitas00osle.
"Emblazoned on the shield of The Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine is the word Aequanimitas. The term means imperturbability and was regarded by Sir William Osler as the premier quality of a good physician. In his essay, Aequanimitas, Dr. Osler further defines this concept as coolness and presence of mind under all circumstances, calmness amid storm, clearness of judgment in moments of grave peril. In full development, it has the nature of a divine gift, a blessing to the possessor, a comfort to all who come in contact with him. At the beginning of their Osler residency, interns are given a copy of this essay --- both to bolster their spirit and to refresh their memories during the trials of the following year." from Johns Hopkins Medicine at http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Medicine/hstrainingprogram/overview/ ]
Teaching to Fly Alone A. Ashley Weech, MD Each year in the spring a pair of cardinals comes to nest in the thick vine on the back of my home. The homemakers are wise in selection of the site. The nest is quite hidden from hostile eyes... more
Teaching to Fly Alone
A. Ashley Weech, MD
Each year in the spring a pair of cardinals comes to nest in the thick vine on the back of my home. The homemakers are wise in selection of the site. The nest is quite hidden from hostile eyes outside the porch; for the few humans who inhabit the house, it is clearly in view. With fascination I have watched the development of a home – twigs, straws, feathers, and hair molded crudely to the shape of a bowl – then, four blue-green eggs and soon four downy birdlings – papa and mama dropping worms, bugs, and other food into upturned open bills – a week or so, the down is gone and feathers have taken place. The parents have been devoted and, of course, feverishly busy. I think they do not lose sight of a final instinctive goal. I never tire watching this last phase of maternal activity. First, one little bird and then another is pushed from the edge of the nest and tries its wings in flight.
Having attained an age when philosophical cogitations are prone to rove through the mind, I find myself muttering, “Teaching the little bird to fly alone. Here compressed into a period of a few weeks is the whole purpose of rearing a child.” If only human parents who must love, wait patiently and accept disappointments for many years before a child is pushed from the nest, if only when distracted and puzzled they could hold in mind the ultimate goal of preparation for constructive citizenship, then how much easier for them to understand and tolerate the petty problems along the way.
Mothers are too often distraught with frustration and worry over the tireless activity of childhood, which seemingly serves no purpose and continues – day after day, week after week, month after month – finding surcease only when Morpheus touches the babe with the magic wand of sleep. I have frequently thought that if it were possible to weigh these trivial, but oft-repeated, annoyances in pounds and ounces and compare the total mass with that occasioned by intermittent acute illness, then the former would completely outbalance the latter. Herein is a supreme challenge to the pediatrician! The doctor who understands and can assist a mother to understand the stages of flying alone will have reached out a helping hand to the needy in distress and will, indeed, have brought nobility to his profession.
A. Ashley Weech
American Journal of Diseases of Children, Vol 109, January, 1965
A. Ashley Weech, MD
Each year in the spring a pair of cardinals comes to nest in the thick vine on the back of my home. The homemakers are wise in selection of the site. The nest is quite hidden from hostile eyes outside the porch; for the few humans who inhabit the house, it is clearly in view. With fascination I have watched the development of a home – twigs, straws, feathers, and hair molded crudely to the shape of a bowl – then, four blue-green eggs and soon four downy birdlings – papa and mama dropping worms, bugs, and other food into upturned open bills – a week or so, the down is gone and feathers have taken place. The parents have been devoted and, of course, feverishly busy. I think they do not lose sight of a final instinctive goal. I never tire watching this last phase of maternal activity. First, one little bird and then another is pushed from the edge of the nest and tries its wings in flight.
Having attained an age when philosophical cogitations are prone to rove through the mind, I find myself muttering, “Teaching the little bird to fly alone. Here compressed into a period of a few weeks is the whole purpose of rearing a child.” If only human parents who must love, wait patiently and accept disappointments for many years before a child is pushed from the nest, if only when distracted and puzzled they could hold in mind the ultimate goal of preparation for constructive citizenship, then how much easier for them to understand and tolerate the petty problems along the way.
Mothers are too often distraught with frustration and worry over the tireless activity of childhood, which seemingly serves no purpose and continues – day after day, week after week, month after month – finding surcease only when Morpheus touches the babe with the magic wand of sleep. I have frequently thought that if it were possible to weigh these trivial, but oft-repeated, annoyances in pounds and ounces and compare the total mass with that occasioned by intermittent acute illness, then the former would completely outbalance the latter. Herein is a supreme challenge to the pediatrician! The doctor who understands and can assist a mother to understand the stages of flying alone will have reached out a helping hand to the needy in distress and will, indeed, have brought nobility to his profession.
A. Ashley Weech
American Journal of Diseases of Children, Vol 109, January, 1965
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All who know Ashley Weech rejoice in the knowledge that he cares so deeply about his friends. Intense loyalty is one of his most conspicuous traits, and it seems to be independent of the dimension of time. Its concentration likewise... more
All who know Ashley Weech rejoice in the knowledge that he cares so deeply about his friends. Intense loyalty is one of his most conspicuous traits, and it seems to be independent of the dimension of time. Its concentration likewise defies dilution despite expanding volume. Fortunate are the many who can claim this kinship.
A striking aspect of his personality is his extraordinary vitality. His instinct is to see the good in life and to find enjoyment prevalent over frustration and boredom; and he throws his whole soul into whatever he does. His spark, which is as strong now as it was years and years ago, seems never to lose its EMF. In this respect he shows much the same zest for living as did William James; and it is one of the unexplained riddles of history that Henri Bergson could have been inspired to coin the term élan vital without having been privileged to know Ashley Weech.
Teacher, investigator, clinician, administrator.
There is no mistaking Ashley's enjoyment of teaching nor his skill in exposition...
A striking aspect of his personality is his extraordinary vitality. His instinct is to see the good in life and to find enjoyment prevalent over frustration and boredom; and he throws his whole soul into whatever he does. His spark, which is as strong now as it was years and years ago, seems never to lose its EMF. In this respect he shows much the same zest for living as did William James; and it is one of the unexplained riddles of history that Henri Bergson could have been inspired to coin the term élan vital without having been privileged to know Ashley Weech.
Teacher, investigator, clinician, administrator.
There is no mistaking Ashley's enjoyment of teaching nor his skill in exposition...
Research Interests:
"IT IS indeed an honor to have been asked to write an introduction to this issue of the JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS in honor of Katharine Dodd. It is, nevertheless, an undertaking for which I am inadequate. If the job could end with... more
"IT IS indeed an honor to have been asked to write an introduction to this issue of the JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS in honor of Katharine Dodd. It is, nevertheless, an undertaking for which I am inadequate. If the job could end with introducing Katie as one of the greatest pediatricians of our time, then tile task would be relatively easy. But few who have known her and loved her would be satisfied with such an effort. As a man I find that most successful women are complicated, and Katie is especially so. To give a fair picture of her compelling integrity, contempt for what she deems to be double dealing, devotion to the hospital house staff, enthusiasms, gruffness, shyness, indifference to physical discomfort, and love of the out-of- doors is beyond the power of my pen. I have gathered together some anecdotes. Perhaps these will give a glimpse of some of the facets of this "Florentine" diamond. Perhaps also they will stir the imagination of friends and pupils who will be led to recall other facets not so exposed.
NOTE: "... After Dr. Reilly left the department, Dr. Katharine Dodd was recruited to serve as chair of the department. She was the first woman to serve as the chair of a department of pediatrics in the United States. Dr. Dodd went to medical school at Johns Hopkins, graduating in 1921, and did a pediatrics residency at Yale. After serving on the faculty at Vanderbilt for several years, she was chosen to be the chair of the UAMS Department of Pediatrics in 1952. Dr. Dodd published many scientific papers; she was one of the very first to use insulin for the treatment of diabetes in children and she was the first to identify the herpes simplex virus as the causative agent in certain cases of stomatitis. The May, 1962 issue of the Journal of Pediatrics was dedicated to Katherine Dodd; in the issue she was described by one of her colleagues as “unquestionably one of the most widely informed pediatricians of our era” and the editorial said of her 'If the job could end with introducing Katie as one of the greatest pediatricians of our time, then the task would be relatively easy.... indifference to physical discomfort, and love of out of doors is beyond the power of my pen'. Dr. Dodd retired from UAMS in 1957 and died in 1965."
From: http://arpediatrics.org/alumni-program/department-history
- Inserted here by V.A. Weech, July, 2014. "
NOTE: "... After Dr. Reilly left the department, Dr. Katharine Dodd was recruited to serve as chair of the department. She was the first woman to serve as the chair of a department of pediatrics in the United States. Dr. Dodd went to medical school at Johns Hopkins, graduating in 1921, and did a pediatrics residency at Yale. After serving on the faculty at Vanderbilt for several years, she was chosen to be the chair of the UAMS Department of Pediatrics in 1952. Dr. Dodd published many scientific papers; she was one of the very first to use insulin for the treatment of diabetes in children and she was the first to identify the herpes simplex virus as the causative agent in certain cases of stomatitis. The May, 1962 issue of the Journal of Pediatrics was dedicated to Katherine Dodd; in the issue she was described by one of her colleagues as “unquestionably one of the most widely informed pediatricians of our era” and the editorial said of her 'If the job could end with introducing Katie as one of the greatest pediatricians of our time, then the task would be relatively easy.... indifference to physical discomfort, and love of out of doors is beyond the power of my pen'. Dr. Dodd retired from UAMS in 1957 and died in 1965."
From: http://arpediatrics.org/alumni-program/department-history
- Inserted here by V.A. Weech, July, 2014. "
Research Interests:
This compact manual written by the Executive Secretary and the Director of Testing Services of the National Board of Medical Examiners presents in eight brief chapters the methods used by the Board in preparing its objective tests. There... more
This compact manual written by the Executive Secretary and the Director of Testing Services of the National Board of Medical Examiners presents in eight brief chapters the methods used by the Board in preparing its objective tests.
There is also an appendix containing a sample test that could provide helpful practice to someone about to be exposed for the first time to this type of examination. That such practice is desirable is evident from the fact that foreign students who have previously encountered only essay-type examinations will on the average earn significantly lower grades on a multiple choice examination than a comparably educated group of American students who have been exposed many times in high school, college and medical school to the techniques of objective testing.
There is also an appendix containing a sample test that could provide helpful practice to someone about to be exposed for the first time to this type of examination. That such practice is desirable is evident from the fact that foreign students who have previously encountered only essay-type examinations will on the average earn significantly lower grades on a multiple choice examination than a comparably educated group of American students who have been exposed many times in high school, college and medical school to the techniques of objective testing.
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Introduction of Dr. Rustin McIntosh for the John Howland Award at the 31st Annual Meeting of the American Pediatric Society, May 3, 1961, The Traymore, Atlantic City, N.J. INTRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION BY DR. A. ASHLEY WEECH AND... more
Introduction of Dr. Rustin McIntosh for the John Howland Award at the 31st Annual Meeting of the American Pediatric Society, May 3, 1961, The Traymore, Atlantic City, N.J.
INTRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION BY DR. A. ASHLEY WEECH AND PRESIDENT L. EMMETT HOLT
INTRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION BY DR. A. ASHLEY WEECH AND PRESIDENT L. EMMETT HOLT
Research Interests:
From time to time throughout the torrid summer in Cincinnati, I am compelled to yield to forces of nature as ineluctable as time and tide and - mow the lawn. The instrument used for this purpose has no built-in source of power. To make... more
From time to time throughout the torrid summer in Cincinnati, I am compelled to yield to forces of nature as ineluctable as time and tide and - mow the lawn. The instrument used for this purpose has no built-in source of power. To make it work, I have to give generously of myself. I am always amazed at the pervading sense of satisfaction once the chore is done. With censurable vanity I am prone to fetch a
cold can of beer and, while slowly sipping, survey the new beauty of the nicely trimmed grass. Indeed, I glory in the sight of le fait accompli.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being president of the American Pediatric Society is the awareness that it brings of the affection of many friends. Since you have made me feel that the affection is real, perhaps you will indulge me a bit further and listen with tolerance to the content of a presidential address prepared for those members of the Society who are able to derive satisfaction and more than a little happiness from surveying what has been done in the past . . .
cold can of beer and, while slowly sipping, survey the new beauty of the nicely trimmed grass. Indeed, I glory in the sight of le fait accompli.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being president of the American Pediatric Society is the awareness that it brings of the affection of many friends. Since you have made me feel that the affection is real, perhaps you will indulge me a bit further and listen with tolerance to the content of a presidential address prepared for those members of the Society who are able to derive satisfaction and more than a little happiness from surveying what has been done in the past . . .
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[In presenting the Borden Award to Dr. Weech, Dr. Harry Bakwin, President of the Academy read the following citation: "for his fundamental contributions in major fields of pediatric investigation. His studies in rickets, nutritional edema... more
[In presenting the Borden Award to Dr. Weech, Dr. Harry Bakwin, President of the Academy read the following citation: "for his fundamental contributions in major fields of pediatric investigation. His studies in rickets, nutritional edema and physiologic hyperbilirubinemia stimulated newer lines of thought of the pathogenesis of these conditions. He characterized nutritional edema as a disturbance resulting from inadequate dietary protein. As the concentration of albumin in serum represents a practical means of recognizing protein deprivation in the pre-edema stages, he undertook studies of the effect of many basic dietary substances on the synthesis of this blood component. His comprehensive investigation of the causation of jaundice of the newborn established its relationship to liver immaturity. Dr. Weech is also being honored for his inspirational qualities as a teacher and a leader of research in numerous aspects of child health and welfare"]
On the annual occasion of the presentation of the Borden Award of the American Academy of Pediatrics it is precedent that the recipient review those aspects of his personal investigations as have been cited by the Awards Committee in justification of its decision. In the face of such tradition I was at first perplexed. The citation begins by averring that selection has rested on “fundamental contributions in major fields of pediatric investigation.” The statement is broad, too broad to serve the purpose of concise review. The citation goes on to mention studies in rickets, bilirubinemia, nutritional edema and basic dietary substances essential for the synthesis of serum albumin. The broad range of investigations still defies terse retrospective survey. Some other bond is needed to tie together the component parts of a speech of acceptance.
The occasion itself will furnish the bond for which I seek. The gold medals that accompany a Borden Award carry upon them in bas-relief the image of Gail Borden (Fig. 1). They remind us that these affairs of presentation have in reality a dual purpose...
On the annual occasion of the presentation of the Borden Award of the American Academy of Pediatrics it is precedent that the recipient review those aspects of his personal investigations as have been cited by the Awards Committee in justification of its decision. In the face of such tradition I was at first perplexed. The citation begins by averring that selection has rested on “fundamental contributions in major fields of pediatric investigation.” The statement is broad, too broad to serve the purpose of concise review. The citation goes on to mention studies in rickets, bilirubinemia, nutritional edema and basic dietary substances essential for the synthesis of serum albumin. The broad range of investigations still defies terse retrospective survey. Some other bond is needed to tie together the component parts of a speech of acceptance.
The occasion itself will furnish the bond for which I seek. The gold medals that accompany a Borden Award carry upon them in bas-relief the image of Gail Borden (Fig. 1). They remind us that these affairs of presentation have in reality a dual purpose...
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"IN THE MIDDLE 1930's, while I was still a member of the faculty of the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, I recall reading a statement by James M. Landis, then chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In a... more
"IN THE MIDDLE 1930's, while I was still a member of the faculty of the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, I recall reading a statement by James M. Landis, then chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In a commencement address at Princeton, Landis said, "There is no teacher worthy of his salt but who has been dismayed both by his own inability to portray a subject adequately and also by the unwillingness of a class to put forth the intellectual effort required to receive it." The challenge of the Landis statement hit me with unusual force since for years I had been groping for techniques which not only would enable a teacher lo dish up his facts in palatable form but also in a way to arouse the student to accept his share of the job. For many years I have pondered the problems. With humility, for I do not yet know the answers, I have elected to speak about my cogitations."
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Dr. Weech: Since the primary purpose of our Panel is to bring out into the open existing inadequacies in pediatric education and since this purpose will best be served by discussion and challenge from the floor, my prepared remarks must... more
Dr. Weech: Since the primary purpose of our Panel is to bring out into the open existing inadequacies in pediatric education and since this purpose will best be served by discussion and challenge from the floor, my prepared remarks must be brief and, if possible, provocative of discussion. I shall make no attempt to cover all controversial issues concerning adequate undergraduate teaching-issues discussed in more or less detail in the 1949 Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics on Child Health Services and Pediatric Education. The exigencies of brevity demand confining myself to selected issues which to me seem important. Perhaps the very act of omitting many other items will provide the stimulus for free discussion.
I shall begin by daring to ask whether we who are doing the teaching are indeed qualified for the job. The trend of organization in departments of pediatrics is in the direction of the full time system. The professor and as many of his associates as the budget will allow have abandoned the type of medical life which most of the students will follow. Often they have been attracted to the academic atmosphere by the opportunity to engage in research rather than by a compelling desire to teach. In stating this fact there is no wish to deny the conviction that a qualified investigator trained to question established beliefs will in the long run be a better teacher than he who, however eloquent, merely reiterates the dogmas of his time. There is also no desire to oppose the assertion that time to devote to teaching and time to prepare for teaching coupled with years of practice in the act of teaching will in the long run produce a better teacher than when the job must be done on a hurried part time basis. Nevertheless it is relevant to point out that the full time teacher and investigator has rarely received instruction in what may be termed "the art of teaching." This circumstance is an item deserving serious thought.
I shall begin by daring to ask whether we who are doing the teaching are indeed qualified for the job. The trend of organization in departments of pediatrics is in the direction of the full time system. The professor and as many of his associates as the budget will allow have abandoned the type of medical life which most of the students will follow. Often they have been attracted to the academic atmosphere by the opportunity to engage in research rather than by a compelling desire to teach. In stating this fact there is no wish to deny the conviction that a qualified investigator trained to question established beliefs will in the long run be a better teacher than he who, however eloquent, merely reiterates the dogmas of his time. There is also no desire to oppose the assertion that time to devote to teaching and time to prepare for teaching coupled with years of practice in the act of teaching will in the long run produce a better teacher than when the job must be done on a hurried part time basis. Nevertheless it is relevant to point out that the full time teacher and investigator has rarely received instruction in what may be termed "the art of teaching." This circumstance is an item deserving serious thought.
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FOR MORE than a score of years I have been engaged in instructing medical students, interns, and pediatric residents in some of the fundamental aspects of the growth and development of children. Whereas it is true that average or median... more
FOR MORE than a score of years I have been engaged in instructing medical students, interns, and pediatric residents in some of the fundamental aspects of the growth and development of children. Whereas it is true that average or median figures for height and weight and appraisal of the person in terms of percentage deviation therefrom can best be determined by reference to publish tables or charts, it is nevertheless desirable that the student (or embryonic pediatrician) be able to formulate mentally without reference to tables a rough assessment of the nutritional and developmental status of the individual patient. Over the years, I have therefore presented to my students a series of “aids to memory” to encourage quick and approximate assessment of the developmental status. The mnemonics have been of such type as the following: “at 3 years the child is 3 ft. tall”; “at 4 years the child is 40 in. tall”; “at 7 years the weight of the child in pounds is seven times the weight at birth,” etc. The mnemonics have been presented to students in tabular form on a blackboard under the title “Signposts on the Highway of Growth.” As the years have gone by and with the publication of new standards of what is normal or average, it has become apparent either that children of a new generation are larger than their parents or that earlier standards for normal were based on measurements of a suboptimal group.
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See Weech (1954) for full article: http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=497075
See CDC website for detailed tables: http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/charts.htm
See CDC website for detailed tables: http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/charts.htm
Research Interests:
FOR MORE than a score of years I have been engaged in instructing medical students, interns, and pediatric residents in some of the fundamental aspects of the growth and development of children. Whereas it is true that average or median... more
FOR MORE than a score of years I have been engaged in instructing medical students, interns, and pediatric residents in some of the fundamental aspects of the growth and development of children. Whereas it is true that average or median figures for height and weight and appraisal of the person in terms of percentage deviation therefrom can best be determined by reference to publish tables or charts, it is nevertheless desirable that the student (or embryonic pediatrician) be able to formulate mentally without reference to tables a rough assessment of the nutritional and developmental status of the individual patient. Over the years, I have therefore presented to my students a series of “aids to memory” to encourage quick and approximate assessment of the developmental status. The mnemonics have been of such type as the following: “at 3 years the child is 3 ft. tall”; “at 4 years the child is 40 in. tall”; “at 7 years the weight of the child in pounds is seven times the weight at birth,” etc. The mnemonics have been presented to students in tabular form on a blackboard under the title “Signposts on the Highway of Growth.” As the years have gone by and with the publication of new standards of what is normal or average, it has become apparent either that children of a new generation are larger than their parents or that earlier standards for normal were based on measurements of a suboptimal group.
Chairman Hill: In 1944, the Academy inaugurated a Study of medical services available to the children of America. Included in the Study was a detailed survey of the Pediatric Departments of the 70 medical schools in the U.S. Out of... more
Chairman Hill: In 1944, the Academy inaugurated a Study of medical services available to the children of America. Included in the Study was a detailed survey of the Pediatric Departments of the 70 medical schools in the U.S. Out of this Study, requiring some 4 years and costing over a million dollars, a vast amount of important information was assembled. As might be expected, the Study clearly showed the enormous advantages possessed by the majority of American children in quantity and quality of medical care, but it also revealed gaps and deficiencies not only in medical care in the field but in the teaching of pediatrics in the medical schools.
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THIS DISSERTATION is predicated on the assumption that the preclinical departments include physiology, pharmacology, pathology, biochemistry, bacteriology and anatomy. It is accepted as axiomatic that sound pedagogy in any field of... more
THIS DISSERTATION is predicated on the assumption that the preclinical departments include physiology, pharmacology, pathology, biochemistry, bacteriology and anatomy. It is accepted as axiomatic that sound pedagogy in any field of learning involves an integrated program of instruction. In the field of medical education the clinical and the preclinical departments have overlapping objectives. The objectives are concerned with the desire to impart understanding of the structure and function of the human body, both in health and in disease, and of the means of combating disturbances in its mechanisms. The overlapping objectives of necessity bring a measure of integration, in a way which imposes no need for a conscious effort to enhance the integration. These questions then may be asked: "Is there a need for greater cohesion of purpose? Can a single department, namely, pediatrics, seek increased correlation with the preclinical divisions without endangering the responsible relation which these divisions have to the other clinical departments ?" At one time or another I have posed these questions to most of my colleagues who teach pediatrics and preclinical science ; the answers, with few exceptions, have been emphatically in the affirmative. The answers often have aroused a feeling that the school was not making the most of its opportunities for integration. The speculative possibility that too much blending of purpose between pediatrics and preclinical training might affect adversely similar desirable correlations between preclinical teaching and instruction in other fields, such as medicine and surgery, may be dismissed as either a phantom fear or a certain sign of a need for greater unity among the clinical departments themselves. Since this phase of the problem has been assigned to the next speaker, Dr. Rustin McIntosh, I shall not pursue it further.
Research Interests: Pediatrics, Educational Leadership, Leadership, Hospitality Management, Medical Education, and 8 moreOrganizational Leadership, History of Medical Education, Organizational Development, Medical History, Hospital administration, Pediatrics and Child Health, Pediatics and Child Health, and Department of Pediatrics
Medical Science at War* A. A. WEECH Professor of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati, Ohio During the past several years the circumstance of war has brought to me the privilege of association with a... more
Medical Science at War*
A. A. WEECH
Professor of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Cincinnati, Ohio
During the past several years the circumstance of war has brought to me the privilege of association with a widely scattered group of physicians, teachers and investigators in the fields of basic medical science and others whose special experience and training have developed the qualifications for group participation. These men have been endeavoring to promote medical research where research is most needed and to see that the fruits of research achieve without delay their objective of being applied to the prevention and treatment of disease and the management of battle wounds. My hat is off to some of these men who voluntarily abandoned their peace time occupations in order to devote their entire energy to the national cause. No contribution which I have made deserves even middle page mention in the newspaper annals of medical science at war. I am merely grateful to have had the opportunity to view from within the working of a great machine. As an investigator engaged in research under government contract, as a member of one of the subcommittees of the National Research Council and as a consultant in a narrow field to the Committee on Medical Research, I have at least had a diversified opportunity to watch the wheels go round. And, having reached a state of maturity which may not be far removed from senility, I have permitted philosophical cogitations to wander through my mind while observing the turning wheels. This evening I have chosen to talk a bit about the cogitations. They deal with past and present work in the field of medical science and with certain implications for the future. They are, perhaps, appropriate for an occasion staged at the postprandial hour which society has decreed should be devoted to congeniality and philosophical discussion.
Address delivered to the members of Pi Kappa Epsilon, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, May 2, 1945
A. A. WEECH
Professor of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Cincinnati, Ohio
During the past several years the circumstance of war has brought to me the privilege of association with a widely scattered group of physicians, teachers and investigators in the fields of basic medical science and others whose special experience and training have developed the qualifications for group participation. These men have been endeavoring to promote medical research where research is most needed and to see that the fruits of research achieve without delay their objective of being applied to the prevention and treatment of disease and the management of battle wounds. My hat is off to some of these men who voluntarily abandoned their peace time occupations in order to devote their entire energy to the national cause. No contribution which I have made deserves even middle page mention in the newspaper annals of medical science at war. I am merely grateful to have had the opportunity to view from within the working of a great machine. As an investigator engaged in research under government contract, as a member of one of the subcommittees of the National Research Council and as a consultant in a narrow field to the Committee on Medical Research, I have at least had a diversified opportunity to watch the wheels go round. And, having reached a state of maturity which may not be far removed from senility, I have permitted philosophical cogitations to wander through my mind while observing the turning wheels. This evening I have chosen to talk a bit about the cogitations. They deal with past and present work in the field of medical science and with certain implications for the future. They are, perhaps, appropriate for an occasion staged at the postprandial hour which society has decreed should be devoted to congeniality and philosophical discussion.
Address delivered to the members of Pi Kappa Epsilon, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, May 2, 1945
Research Interests:
"Excerpt: There will be many among you who will argue that the young physician of today need take no thought of the morrow. Army and Navy have conspired together to plan the future for him. For a time this state of affairs will hold. It... more
"Excerpt:
There will be many among you who will argue that the young physician of today need take no thought of the morrow. Army and Navy have conspired together to plan the future for him. For a time this state of affairs will hold. It can avail nothing to speculate what might or might not have been if the war had not happened. Since it is already with us, we shall do better to examine its opportunities -- opportunities which in past wars have led to great forward strides in medicine. Suffering and distress are the inevitable sequences of war. It is a duty as well as an opportunity to extract from it those rewards which in terms of health and happiness can repay more adequately than in any other the debt which those who survive owe to those who suffered. The challenge here is plain. The young physician of today has much to occupy his thoughts concerning what shall be on the morrow...Everywhere is power. Let the significance of it pour into your souls and engender the faith and the courage which impel men to make their dreams come true. Fill your cup with consciousness of the power until it runs over and in spreading to those about you drowns out the pestilence of doubt!...
The ideals toward which we aspire, the deeds of which we dream, the way of life we wish to gain-can all be attained through burning faith in the power, the destiny, the righteousness of free thinking peoples wherever they may be."
There will be many among you who will argue that the young physician of today need take no thought of the morrow. Army and Navy have conspired together to plan the future for him. For a time this state of affairs will hold. It can avail nothing to speculate what might or might not have been if the war had not happened. Since it is already with us, we shall do better to examine its opportunities -- opportunities which in past wars have led to great forward strides in medicine. Suffering and distress are the inevitable sequences of war. It is a duty as well as an opportunity to extract from it those rewards which in terms of health and happiness can repay more adequately than in any other the debt which those who survive owe to those who suffered. The challenge here is plain. The young physician of today has much to occupy his thoughts concerning what shall be on the morrow...Everywhere is power. Let the significance of it pour into your souls and engender the faith and the courage which impel men to make their dreams come true. Fill your cup with consciousness of the power until it runs over and in spreading to those about you drowns out the pestilence of doubt!...
The ideals toward which we aspire, the deeds of which we dream, the way of life we wish to gain-can all be attained through burning faith in the power, the destiny, the righteousness of free thinking peoples wherever they may be."
Research Interests:
Columbia University Medical Center in the City of New York Pediatrics. Professor A. Ashley Weech who has been a member of the full-time staff at the Department since 1930, has been called to the B. K. Rachford Chair of Pediatrics in the... more
Columbia University Medical Center in the City of New York
Pediatrics.
Professor A. Ashley Weech who has been a member of the full-time staff at the Department since 1930, has been called to the B. K. Rachford Chair of Pediatrics in the University of Cincinnati. He will be at the same time chief of staff and medical director of the Children's Hospital of Cincinnati, director of the Children's Hospital Research Foundation, and director of pediatrics and contagious diseases in the Cincinnati General Hospital [University Hospital]. It would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of Professor Weech's participation in the work of this department, as teacher, as investigator in the field of biochemistry applied to pediatric problems, and as a clinician. The esteem and affection in which he is held by his colleagues lend particular warmth to the good wishes which will accompany him to his new position of important responsibility and opportunity.
Pediatrics.
Professor A. Ashley Weech who has been a member of the full-time staff at the Department since 1930, has been called to the B. K. Rachford Chair of Pediatrics in the University of Cincinnati. He will be at the same time chief of staff and medical director of the Children's Hospital of Cincinnati, director of the Children's Hospital Research Foundation, and director of pediatrics and contagious diseases in the Cincinnati General Hospital [University Hospital]. It would be impossible to exaggerate the importance of Professor Weech's participation in the work of this department, as teacher, as investigator in the field of biochemistry applied to pediatric problems, and as a clinician. The esteem and affection in which he is held by his colleagues lend particular warmth to the good wishes which will accompany him to his new position of important responsibility and opportunity.
Research Interests: Biochemistry, Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Nutrition, History of Medicine, and 12 moreMedical Education, Protein Science, Qualitative Research, Health, Health Care Management, Membrane proteins: Structure and Function, Hospital Management, Permeability, History of Science Molecular Biology Biochemistry, History of food and nutrition, Health and Hospital Management Research, and Milk Quality
It is commonly believed that a relationship exists between rate of growth in body weight and achievement in such behaviors as creeping, sitting, and walking. The infant who grows rapidly is apt to be slow in behavior achievement and... more
It is commonly believed that a relationship exists between rate of
growth in body weight and achievement in such behaviors as creeping, sitting, and walking. The infant who grows rapidly is apt to be slow in behavior achievement and conversely the infant who grows slowly is likely to progress rapidly in the acquisition of motor performance.. The quantitative measures of development in behavior described in a previous paper (1) have provided a convenient means of testing the validity of the belief. In the present paper it will be shown that the correlations between behavior and a function of body weight which measures the rate
of gain are high; they are high enough to suggest that the significance of individual achievement in behavior can be assessed more accurately if consideration is given to the past record of the infant with respect to gain in weight.
------------- Mentionable [by VAW] --------------
Dr. Myrtle McGraw, psychologist and researcher in child development, is mentioned in this article as a source for data. Her devotion to children and passion for research contributed greatly to the Normal Child Development Center (and its studies). The NYT article (http://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/13/obituaries/dr-myrtle-b-mcgraw-psychologist-89-dies.html) states the following: "Dr. McGraw, whose work was hailed by Dr. John Dewey, the educator and philosopher, conducted a behavior study with the Woods twins, Johnny and Jimmy, and others at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where she was associate director of the Normal Child Development Center from 1930 to 1942. The study was published in 1935 and was followed by a second work, 'The Neuromuscular Maturation of the Human Infant,' in 1943. She was appointed professor of psychology at Briarcliff College in 1953 and taught there until 1972, when she retired. Dr. McGraw was born in Birmingham, Ala., and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University. She received a Ph.D. from Columbia University."
------------- End Mentionable [by VAW] --------------
growth in body weight and achievement in such behaviors as creeping, sitting, and walking. The infant who grows rapidly is apt to be slow in behavior achievement and conversely the infant who grows slowly is likely to progress rapidly in the acquisition of motor performance.. The quantitative measures of development in behavior described in a previous paper (1) have provided a convenient means of testing the validity of the belief. In the present paper it will be shown that the correlations between behavior and a function of body weight which measures the rate
of gain are high; they are high enough to suggest that the significance of individual achievement in behavior can be assessed more accurately if consideration is given to the past record of the infant with respect to gain in weight.
------------- Mentionable [by VAW] --------------
Dr. Myrtle McGraw, psychologist and researcher in child development, is mentioned in this article as a source for data. Her devotion to children and passion for research contributed greatly to the Normal Child Development Center (and its studies). The NYT article (http://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/13/obituaries/dr-myrtle-b-mcgraw-psychologist-89-dies.html) states the following: "Dr. McGraw, whose work was hailed by Dr. John Dewey, the educator and philosopher, conducted a behavior study with the Woods twins, Johnny and Jimmy, and others at the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where she was associate director of the Normal Child Development Center from 1930 to 1942. The study was published in 1935 and was followed by a second work, 'The Neuromuscular Maturation of the Human Infant,' in 1943. She was appointed professor of psychology at Briarcliff College in 1953 and taught there until 1972, when she retired. Dr. McGraw was born in Birmingham, Ala., and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University. She received a Ph.D. from Columbia University."
------------- End Mentionable [by VAW] --------------
Research Interests:
Physiologic hypcrbilirubineinia during the early postnatal period has been observed by many investigators. The stimulus and justification for still another study of the phenomenon have come from improvements in methods.
Research Interests:
Early research on physical developmental stage growth of the infant measured quantitatively to supplement knowledge to the existing Normal Child Development Study.
Research Interests:
SERUM ALBUMIN is to be defined as that fraction of the protein of serum which remains in solution after half saturation with ammonium sulphate or which is not salted out in a 21-5 per cent solution of sodium sulphate. The fractions which... more
SERUM ALBUMIN is to be defined as that fraction of the protein of serum which remains in solution after half saturation with ammonium sulphate or which is not salted out in a 21-5 per cent solution of sodium sulphate. The fractions which are removed by these procedures are globulins. Serum albumin, so defined, possesses physiologic characteristics which are distinct from those of the globulins. It is important in maintaining the volume of the blood and it is essential to the flow of fluid across the capillary wall. These properties are intimately concerned with the general phenomenon of the circulation of the blood, a circumstance which makes it peculiarly appropriate that they be discussed before the Harvey Society. Moreover, the physiologic properties of serum albumin are of great importance in medicine for the amount of albumin which circulates in the plasma is easily depleted when health is disordered. An understanding of this process of depletion, and its converse, replenishment, is essential to correct appraisal of the significance of the albumin fraction of serum.
In selecting material in a large field from which to prepare this evening...
In selecting material in a large field from which to prepare this evening...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
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Dr. A. A. Weech, of the Johns Hopkins University, has found that the serum taken from the blood of those who have recovered from chicken pox, if injected into susceptible children, seems to prevent their catching the disease. Nine... more
Dr. A. A. Weech, of the Johns Hopkins University, has found that the serum taken from the blood of those who have recovered from chicken pox, if injected into susceptible children, seems to prevent their catching the disease. Nine infants, who had been exposed to the disease, were given injections of the serum from one to six days after exposure. Eight of them did not contract the disease.
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Vaccination with the contents of varicella vesicles has been used in former attempts to prevent the spread of this disease. The material, obtained by puncturing a cleaned vesicle with a sterile needle, was applied to an abraded surface of... more
Vaccination with the contents of varicella vesicles has been used in former attempts to prevent the spread of this disease. The material, obtained by puncturing a cleaned vesicle with a sterile needle, was applied to an abraded surface of skin in much the same way in which a Pirquet tuberculin test is performed. Kling, in 1913, reported that among thirty-one susceptible children exposed to varicella who were given a single vaccination, only one case of the disease appeared. Handrick, in 1914, met with less success. Among 114 children inoculated by him, forty-five contracted the disease. Rabinoff, in 1915, obtained better results. She reported that, among seventy-six exposed children protected in this way, only six cases of varicella appeared. Hess and Unger, in 1918, injected the virus intravenously into thirty-eight children, and reported that after exposure only one contracted the disease.
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On the passing of Dr. Alexander Ashley Weech, son of Mrs. Clara Elizabeth (nee Ashley) and Rev. Robert William Henry Weech, grandson of Rev. William Theophilus Lofthouse Weech, and grandson of Rev. Alexander Ashley. Dr. Weech passed... more
On the passing of Dr. Alexander Ashley Weech, son of Mrs. Clara Elizabeth (nee Ashley) and Rev. Robert William Henry Weech, grandson of Rev. William Theophilus Lofthouse Weech, and grandson of Rev. Alexander Ashley. Dr. Weech passed three months after receiving the award named for his most cherished teacher and mentor, Dr. John Howland of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (alum 1917, graduated first in class). Dr. Weech ushered in a new era of medicine applying research and statistical analysis toward the field of modern pediatrics. His work in biochemistry and nutrition were fundamental in the field. He was a Harvey Lecturer on his culminated research related to nutrition and early cell permeability. Scientist, researcher, clinician, administrator, editor, and above all, teacher and loyal friend to all he was associated. Dr. Weech treated the first patient in the United States with an early antibiotic in 1935 attempting to save the life of the daughter of an associate. He spent time in the library after hours to learn German which then allowed him access to secure a supply from across the Atlantic. This was his passionate serving heart in action. The shipment arrived by boat too late to save the young girl's life but the treatment of the patient with the sulpha drug, protosil, and later antibiotics, would be successful in saving the lives of millions of people in the United States. Dr. Weech said that bit of history was just fate and he ultimately wished to be remembered as a teacher, his first passion.
The attached story is written by a former resident at Cincinnati Children's who worked with Dr. Weech and later greeted him into the Department of Pediatrics in the University of Florida as Professor Emeritus.
By Dr. A. H. Felman, University of Florida Medical College, Department of Pediatrics
The attached story is written by a former resident at Cincinnati Children's who worked with Dr. Weech and later greeted him into the Department of Pediatrics in the University of Florida as Professor Emeritus.
By Dr. A. H. Felman, University of Florida Medical College, Department of Pediatrics
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from March, 2007.
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In regards to Beatrice Katz wonderful work and pictorial of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center history.
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"Science is simply common sense at its best; that is, rigidly accurate in observation and merciless to fallacy in logic." ~ Thomas Henry Huxley Author Information: Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of... more
"Science is simply common sense at its best; that is, rigidly accurate in observation and merciless to fallacy in logic." ~ Thomas Henry Huxley Author Information: Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Florida Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A. 32610.
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... I told Dr. Weiss I wanted to contribute to the defense effort. ... Cohn had just been asked by the National Research Council to undertake a study of bovine plasma, which Professor Owen Wangensteen of Minnesota had been testing, as a... more
... I told Dr. Weiss I wanted to contribute to the defense effort. ... Cohn had just been asked by the National Research Council to undertake a study of bovine plasma, which Professor Owen Wangensteen of Minnesota had been testing, as a blood substitute in huge supply, for ...
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While reading an address by Dana W. Atchley, MD, delivered when he was accepting the Kober Medal of the Association of American Physicians, I ran across the following quotation: "It is rather disturbing for those of us who are on... more
While reading an address by Dana W. Atchley, MD, delivered when he was accepting the Kober Medal of the Association of American Physicians, I ran across the following quotation: "It is rather disturbing for those of us who are on the far side of the generation gap to recognize that the young are relatively unaware of history. Perhaps they fail to subject their views to the cleansing discipline of historical perspective." The quotation touched me with peculiar poignancy. Over a good many years I have participated time and again in the oral examinations of the American Board of Pediatrics. Quite often a candidate will disclose detailed knowledge of a relatively recent discovery of such great importance that it has changed the entire significance of the disorder under discussion. Under these circumstances I have been apt to comment: 'Yes, it was a wonderful event for those who practice medicine when that discovery was made. The man who made it was awarded, and I think you will agree, quite properly, a Nobel Prize. Can you tell me his name and something about him?' Only on rare occasions do I experience a flush of pleasure when a candidate shows he knows and cares...
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... B. Kearsley Frank Kellogg Robert C. Kelsch Hilary Koprowski Saul Krugman Ann G. Kettner M. Eugene Lahey Beatrice C. Lampkin ... Macintyre Bruce Mackler Donald Mainland Joseph D. Mann Gordon Manson Marion Maresh William Margaretten... more
... B. Kearsley Frank Kellogg Robert C. Kelsch Hilary Koprowski Saul Krugman Ann G. Kettner M. Eugene Lahey Beatrice C. Lampkin ... Macintyre Bruce Mackler Donald Mainland Joseph D. Mann Gordon Manson Marion Maresh William Margaretten Richard T. Mameli Florence N ...
Page 1. STRICTLY SPEAKING Page 2. The Historiography of Psychoanalysis Page 3. Introduction Page 4. The Historiography of Psychoanalysis Transaction Large Print Edition published in 2010 by Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick, New... more
Page 1. STRICTLY SPEAKING Page 2. The Historiography of Psychoanalysis Page 3. Introduction Page 4. The Historiography of Psychoanalysis Transaction Large Print Edition published in 2010 by Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick, New Jersey. ...
Research Interests:
... B. Kearsley Frank Kellogg Robert C. Kelsch Hilary Koprowski Saul Krugman Ann G. Kettner M. Eugene Lahey Beatrice C. Lampkin ... Macintyre Bruce Mackler Donald Mainland Joseph D. Mann Gordon Manson Marion Maresh William Margaretten... more
... B. Kearsley Frank Kellogg Robert C. Kelsch Hilary Koprowski Saul Krugman Ann G. Kettner M. Eugene Lahey Beatrice C. Lampkin ... Macintyre Bruce Mackler Donald Mainland Joseph D. Mann Gordon Manson Marion Maresh William Margaretten Richard T. Mameli Florence N ...
... SYDNEY S. GELLIS, MD, Boston ... At the first meeting on March 23, 1929, which was held in Bos¬ ton, the following officers were elected: Dr. James L. Gamble of Harvard, Presi¬ dent; Dr. Bengt Hamilton of Johns Hop¬ kins,... more
... SYDNEY S. GELLIS, MD, Boston ... At the first meeting on March 23, 1929, which was held in Bos¬ ton, the following officers were elected: Dr. James L. Gamble of Harvard, Presi¬ dent; Dr. Bengt Hamilton of Johns Hop¬ kins, Vice-President; and Dr. Charles F. McKhann of Harvard ...