TMAA history

From the beginning, the TMAA has worked to extend the aims of the medical profession by promoting the advancement of health and education, and a closer fellowship among physician families. The activities of the Alliance continue to focus on programs to safeguard the health and safety of the American people.

1927

The Woman's Auxiliary to the Tennessee State Medical Association was organized in Memphis at the Peabody Hotel on November 25, 1927 during an annual meeting of the Southern Medical Association. Mrs. W. D. Haggard of Nashville served as the first President of the TMAA. A quote from the Minutes stated, “This organization is unique in that we as doctors’ wives may be active in most all organizations and clubs, but other women cannot join us.  We are privileged in all walks of life and come close to life and death in our daily routine; therefore, our group has great opportunity for real service.”

 

1928

The first annual convention was held in April 1928 in Nashville. Auxiliaries in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville became component organizations by may of that year.

  

1929

The second annual convention was held in Jackson, Tennessee. Mrs. Jack Witherspoon was elected President.

  

1930

The organization became inactive but was reorganized on April 8, 1930, during the Centennial Celebration of the Tennessee State Medical Association in Nashville and Mrs. Milton S. Lewis was elected President. The Tennessee State Medical Association appointed the first advisory committee to the Women’s Auxillary. 

  

1931

The first constitution and bylaws were drafted and mailed to members. The Auxiliary was allotted a page in the Tennessee State Journal. The Auxiliary began sponsoring a series of health talks over WLAC radio in Nashville “Educate with Hygeia” urging families to “keep fit with a healthy household.”

1932

The new constitution for the Women’s Auxiliary was adopted, defining the reason for the organization as “First, love of humanity; Second, love for our doctor husband; Third, love for one another. Love means sacrifice and service.”  In other words, members sacrifice personal ambition or motive.

 

1933

Auxiliary President, Mrs. Oliver Hill of Knoxville, was invited to report on auxiliary activities to the Tennessee State Medical Association House of Delegates. Members were asked to assist the association in opposing a bill in the state legislature deemed injurious to the effective operation of the State Department of Public Health. The Convention Minutes reflect the impact of the Great Depression, “Due to economic conditions in the state our membership has dropped from 190 to 167, however, the depression has influenced our philanthropic committee to become very active.”

1934

Mrs. W. O. Floyd was the first President to receive a pin. The tradition of presenting a pin to the outgoing auxiliary president as a token of appreciation for service was established. The original pin was adapted from a cut of the Faculty Medal, designed by Joseph L. Scianni, awarded by the University of Tennessee School of Medicine to medical students upon graduation. The significance of the medal is described as denoting the ideals of “scholarship, duty and humanity.” The Auxiliary pin, by the right wing, signifies auxiliary members are willing promoters of the best interest of the medical profession, but always under their guidance. The original pin was made of frosted white gold, with letters and numerals raised and polished for contrast, and the president’s name, date, and city engraved on the back.

1935

Mrs. Rogers Herbert was installed as the AMAA President. The Tennessee Women’s Auxiliary had 96 members.

 

1936

The focus of the Auxiliary was on the duty to educate the public. The first Historian was appointed.

 

1937

The Rutherford County alliance was formed. The first Timekeeper was appointed, and reports limited to 3 minutes. Objectives for the year included a campaign against “state medicine”, cancer control, health education, flood relief, health certificates for domestic help.

 

1939

The Auxiliary received a request by the physicians of the Tennessee State Medical Association to set a goal of preservation and improvement of the medical profession by 4 methods: enlighten the public to avoid socialized medicine; circulation of Hygeia as the voice of the AMA speaking to the public; create interest in AMA radio broadcast; build unity and friendliness through social gatherings among families of the medical profession. Tennessee county auxiliaries across the state worked with the Red Cross, making surgical dressings for foreign fields, improving the treatment of mental disease, Cripple Children’s Clinics, selling TB stamps.    

 

1942

The tradition of presenting the president’s pin to the incoming President began. During the war years, this small but determined group continued to progress. The Auxiliary purchased a $500 Government Bond, which was cashed upon its maturity and placed in the operating budget as a revolving fund to insure adequate funds throughout the fiscal year.  Each subsequent President and Treasurer are morally obligated to transfer to the incoming officers an amount never to be less than $500.

1943

The Minutes first reference to the Health Essay Contest in Tennessee schools.

1944

The aim of the alliance was to provide “aid” by answering appeals for assistance from the Red Cross, civil organizations, war agencies, YMCA, Maternal Welfare League, and Christmas Seal sales.  TMAA also sponsored snack bars at the USO on weekly basis.

 

1945

The state was divided into three regions for the purpose of electing officers on a rotating basis from these areas.

 

1948

Auxiliary President Mrs. Robert A. Patterson suggested conducting “schools of instruction” for officers and committee chairs, but this did not enter the Bylaws until 1954 as a duty of regional Vice Presidents. This later evolved into the officer transition meetings held at Convention. 

1949

At Convention, the rotation of officers and chairmanships among the three regions of the state was approved.

 

1951

The first publication of the Woman's Auxiliary Quarterly Newsletter was sent to the members.

 

1952

The name of the newsletter was changed to Woman's Auxiliary Newsletter.

 

1953

This was the first year to have a Public Relations Chair, to host the Past Presidents’ Luncheon, and to have an installation luncheon to honor President and President-Elect. This was also the first year to present the Potter-Nicely Bowl, an award to the auxiliary with the most outstanding achievement. The award went to Hamilton County. Several county auxiliaries initiated nursing scholarships. the Health Essay Contest was replaced with the Health Project, designed to emphasize group participation. The Health Project was jointly sponsored by the Tennessee Medical Association and the Auxiliary with a first place award of a $500 Government Bond.

 

1957

The first edition of the Tennessee Handbook was published o guide local alliances in following procedures established at the state level.

1958

The state re-divided into four regions, with a designation for the rotation of officers. The first Arts and Crafts Show was staged at Convention in Gatlinburg.

 

1959

The TMAA Holiday Sharing Card originated in 1959, the idea of TMAA member Betty Ray. The project raised funds for the AMA Foundation.

 

1960

TMAA received the coveted Ethel Gastineau Trophy, awarded to the state achieving the most outstanding AMEF record for the year. The name of the newsletter was changed to WATSMA Line.

 

1961

The Auxiliary again received the coveted Ethel Gastineau Trophy.

1962

Board members presented a HAT SKIT at convention with following lyrics: “There’s a gavel in her hat; There’s a brain within her head; There’s a willing heart and willing hands as the rest of us she’s led.” The  AMEF joined with the research foundation to become the AMA-ERF. The Auxiliary won the Ethel Gastineau Trophy for the third consecutive year.

 

1963

Name changed to Woman’s Auxiliary to the Tennessee Medical Association. The name of the newsletter was changed to Volunteer Voice. The Auxiliary shared honors for the Ether Gastineau Trophy, which was then retired.

 

1964

The goal was for each county to have one effective service project. Increasing membership and legislative awareness identified as necessary to make auxiliaries effective.

 

1968

“There surely is a special place in heaven for Doctors’ wives.”

 

1974

Tennessee Auxiliary members gave over 100,000 hours of volunteer time. Emphasis was on protecting and maintaining the family unit. Stones River Medical Auxiliary was formed.

 

1975

Betty Wilkinson installed as AMAA President. The die for the TMAA president’s pin was lost.

 

1976

Reflecting a change in the times and the increasing number of women physicians, the Auxiliary changed its name to the Tennessee Medical Association Alliance. The designation of Life Member to honor those who had served as AMAA President was instituted.

 

1977

Women’s Auxiliary celebrated 50th Anniversary with a champagne luncheon at First American Bank. Assisted TMA and Department of Public Health in implementing Swine Influenza Program. Efforts by the Auxiliary and the Tennessee Medical Association resulted in passage of the nation’s first Child Passenger Protection Act of 1977. A new design of the president’s pin was made. It was round with the outline of Tennessee, TMAA, and a gavel inscribed on it, and the half caduceus in raised design.  Traveling trophies, i.e., the Membership Cup and the Potter-Nicely Bowl, were retired and placed on display at the TMA Building. 

 

1979

Virginia Elrod, TMAA President from Chattanooga, held the first retreat and workshop for TMAA at Fall Creek Falls. The first program of support for the Physician's Health Program was initiated.

 

1981

The TMAA began the Christmas Sharing Card for the AMA-ERF.

1984

The TMA Alliance peaked with 2,342 members and 24 county alliances.

 

1985

The Health Project was discontinued.

1986

The first male member joined TMAA.

1989

TMA Alliance has been the top fundraiser for AMA-ERF for the past 29 years.

 

1990

TMA Alliance secured office space in the TMA building and hired one staff person.

 

1992

The organization changed its name to Tennessee Medical Association Alliance. Adopted the tag line “Physician Spouses Dedicated to the Health of America.”

1993

Efforts of the TMA Alliance and the Tennessee Medical Association resulted in passage of a state-wide bicycle helmet law requiring all riders under 12 years of age to wear an approved helmet on state roads.

1995

The TMA Alliance President began serving as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees of the Tennessee Medical Association.

 

1997

Johnnie Amonette installed as AMAA President. First webpage was created for TMA Alliance.

 

2000

A new concept for the pin was made. Many variations of the pin to personalize the design.