The Conscience of Medicine:
A History of Family Practice in Michigan

by Roy J. Gerard, M.D., and April L. Allison, M.A., M.P.H.

In 1929, Louis Hirschman, M.D., warned that "the urban trend of population has had its effect in draining the smaller communities of their physicians." In his presidential address to the Michigan State Medical Society, he introduced themes that have resonated throughout the seventy years since he introduced them--the need to train young physicians in ambulatory care, to develop a focus on family medicine, and to adapt new technologies that could help lure young physicians into underserved areas.

From these early warnings through the establishment of family practice as a specialty in 1969, The Conscience of Medicine: A History of Family Practice in Michigan explores the challenges faced by physicians in an age of increasing specialization and urbanization. The authors, Roy J. Gerard, M.D., and April L. Allison, M.A., M.P.H., continue the story through the development of family practice as a mature discipline and into the rapidly evolving managed care environment.

This highly readable, 154-page volume is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the past, and concerned about the future, of health care in the United States. It is of special interest to medical students, family practice residents, medical faculty, and to the practicing family physician.

Roy J. Gerard, M.D., was founding chair of the Michigan State University Department of Family Practice. April L. Allison, M.A., M.P.H., is a health care writer and editor.

The Conscience of Medicine is available for $13 (includes $3 shipping and handling) per copy from the MSU Department of Family Practice, B100 Clinical Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, attn. Maria Struck.

Publication information:

The Conscience of Medicine: A History of Family Practice in Michigan
by Roy J. Gerard, M.D., and April L. Allison, M.A., M.P.H.
© 1998 Michigan State University Department of Family Practice
ISBN 0-9626903-1-7

Maria Struck
MSU Department of Family Practice
B100 Clinical Center
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
517/432-2793, ext 458

For an exciting overview of the history of African American health care in Southeastern Michigan, 1940-1969, also see the University of Michigan's African American health care.