Page 12 - HCMA Winter 2021

Executive Director’s Desk
A Step Back in Time – Part II
Debbie Zorian DZorian@hcma.net
I hope you enjoyed “A Step Back in Time – Part I” which was published in my last Bulletin column...
Chapter Five: The War Abroad and at Home, 1941-1949
By 1940, the United States was re- covering from the long years of depres- sion.
Although the U.S. refrained from joining the war in Europe, which began in 1939, residents of Tampa were aware of the military preparations being made. The construction of MacDill Air Force Base was completed in 1940 and Tampa natives began to prepare for combat after the bomb- ing of Pearl Harbor. The HCMS President formed the Medical Preparedness Committee to plan ways the society could help in the war effort, and to study the effects of the war on the medi- cal profession. Many of the society’s goals, that emerged from the 20s and 30s, were abandoned due to the concentration on the war. However, when the war ended, the society regained its vision of an improved medical community free of contract
practice and socialized medicine.
Many society members served in the Armed Forces during World War II. In addition to taking on increased caseloads due to a reduced number of physicians in the county, HCMS mem- bers spent extra time conducting physical exams for the Selec- tive Service and draft boards. The society also helped to support the war financially by investing in war bonds. In 1944, HCMS used $1,000 of its savings to purchase sixty-five war bonds that drew two and half percent interest. At that time, the society also focused its efforts to combat venereal disease and tuberculosis. Blood banks were also formed throughout the state and the HCMS donated $200 to begin one in Hillsborough County.
In 1948, the Society decided to incorporate and the Hills- borough County Medical Association (HCMA) was formed. By changing its name from Society to Association, the HCMA felt a closer identity with the FMA and AMA would bolster its professional status. The most important revisions dealt with the organizational structure of the society. New By-laws called for the formation of an Executive Committee where motions, resolutions, and committee reports were approved or rejected
before being presented to the entire membership. Delegates to the FMA and AMA were also selected. A telephone answering service was established along with a doctors’ registry, assistance for financially troubled members, and membership dinner meetings.
An insurance plan through the establishment of Florida Medical Service Corporation (later known as Blue Shield of Florida) was formed by the FMA. The insurance coverage was to be influenced by physicians rather than commercial or government agencies. However, a crisis presented itself when President Harry S. Truman unveiled a national health plan in 1949. A public campaign strategy began while HCMA vigor- ously condemned any form of compulsory health insurance. The HCMA made headway by joining the AMA’s national campaign which defeated Truman’s health insurance proposal. Moreover, in sponsoring the Florida Medical Service Corpora- tion’s insurance plan, the Association helped design an alterna- tive to socialized medicine.
Chapter Six: Meeting the Challenges to the Medical Profession
In suburban apartments in Temple Terrace, aging housing in Hyde Park, ballrooms of downtown hotels, and Latin clubs in Ybor City, the residents of Hillsborough County reminisced about the passing decade and spun dreams of the upcoming era.
The 1950s was thought to be a peaceful era, bringing about hope and celebration. Although there was hesitation and it took over one year to come to fruition, the most important improve- ment within the Association took place in 1952 when HCMA accepted its first two African American members, Drs. R. Reche Williams, Sr., and E.O. Archie.
The HCMA continued to promote voluntary health insur- ance and attempted reforms. The HCMA and FMA voted not to participate in a new contract with Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) as the plan called for an extension of service that would include Floridians of higher income. However, the FMA House of Delegates voted in favor of the increased income limit. Despite being on the losing side, the HCMA agreed to continue its participation.
The role the HCMA took on in one of the most vigorous- ly fought political battles of the decade, was also discussed in
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HCMA BULLETIN, Vol 67, No. 3 – Winter 2021