Philadelphia Society Protests Treatment of Doctors by Nazis

The Philadelphia County Medical Society, one of the largest of its kind in this country, yesterday raised its voice “against the injustice visited upon members in the medical profession in Germany” and called upon the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American Medical Association to communicate with their colleagues in Germany “irrespective of birth or descent” to bring about the abolition “of a discrimination so repugnant to the spirit of science and of humanity.”

It is learned here on reliable authority that in many hospitals acting individually, medical instruments made in Germany have been or are gradually being replaced. Drugs made in Germany are being accorded the same treatment. A movement is about to be launched to invite some of the leaders in the medical profession in Germany to come to this country to hold clinics. It is pointed out that hundreds, possibly thousands of American physicians go to Germany annually to attend the clinics and the classes of these distinguished medical scientists. Not to lose the benefit of this experience, an effort will be made to have a number of the leading hospitals in America invite these men to carry on their scientific researches here. Instead of going to Germany, the American physicians will be invited to attend these classes and clinics in the American hospitals.

The resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia County Medical Society follow:

“That this body of American physicians indignantly protests against the injustice visited upon members of the medical profession in Germany, who, because of their race or faith or descent, have been thrust out of their positions in dispensaries, hospitals and universities and greatly hampered in their private practice.

“Among them are many whose contributions to medical science and art have been invaluable and have brought great credit to Germany; but our protest is not because of the wrong done to the eminent only, it is for the humblest as well.

“The honor of our profession has been attacked, and we look to our colleagues in Germany, irrespective of birth or descent, to vindicate that honor by bringing about the abolition of a discrimination so repugnant to the spirit of science and of humanity.

“Be it further resolved that these resolutions be forwarded to the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and from them to the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association with their recommendation for adoption.

“Be it also further resolved that a copy of these resolutions or others, when finally adopted by the American Medical Association, be sent to President Roosevelt, Secretary of State Hull, and Dr. Royal S. Copeland, United States Senator from New York, with a request that they be spread upon the Congressional Record.”