MEDICAL SCHOOL

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1929, Page 5

MEDICAL SCHOOL

RIVALS BEST IN U.S. DR. AI’AIECHAN’S OPINION. DUNEDIN, August 20. AJnny tributes have been paid to the character and work of the Medical and Dental Schools of the University of Otago, but few have been so striking as that of Dr. F. H. McMechan, of Cleveland, Ohio, who is at present in Dunedin. Dr McMechan, who is accompanied by his wife, is visiting the Dominion preparatory to attending the -Medical Congress in Australia. He has. visited the two schools during his stay in Dunedin, and expressed his opinions of them to a reporter this morning, lie is a recognised authority on anaesthesia, and his: comments on the development of that subject in the schools hold particular, interest. “ I was completely swept off my tfeet by the really Wonderful Medical and Dental Schools that have been built in Dunedin,” said Dr McMechan. “In details of architecture, construction, furnishings, and equipment they both rival the very best medical and dental schools in the United States, and in some respects probably excel them. These schools seem to have been built to take care of the needs of New- Zealand for at least fifty years to come. There doe's hot seem to be any p'-ase of medical education and training that' has'.beep: overlooked or neglected. One of the things that convinced me -of their very assured future was the elaborate attention .that has been paid to organising the basic science departments which in modern life and education are becoming such essential elements in applying science to the clinical side of practice. I was struck by the fact that those in charge of the basic sciences had already achieved the most resultful liaison with the clinical departments of medicine. This speaks well for the future of-medical and dental education because it means that every development in basic science will be almost immediately applied for the benefit of suffering humanity.”

Dr. McMechan also received a most vivid impression of the two student bodies.. He remarked that he found both the young men and'women the most earnest, intelligent, receptive and responsive tha-jt/ it had ever been his pleasure to come in contact with. .They seemed to have all the personality, character, and ability to provide New Zealand with a newer generation o f physicians and dentists who would be quite on a par with the best, that are being-turned'out in any part of the world. “ I was also struckvwith tlio "act that , these two institutions . were the lengthened shadows of two very great men, Sir Undo. Ferguson and Dr. L’ickerill,” continued Dr. McMechan. “These two men have erected monu-

•#* ■' / - r ments that will not only stand; tor years to come as examples of/what is iest in medical and dental: education, but they have also by their work and ,uicl achievements enshrined tneniselves in the hearts of the people of New Zealand for all time.”

Being especially interested .in the. conquest of physical pain as a worldwide) movement in medicine and dentistry, Dr McMechan was extremely gratified to find that both schools, in Dunedin were already intensively interested in this projlem, and that considerable attention was being given to the instruction and training of the students in the latest and best methods of anaesthesia. The schools, by extending their efforts along these lines, could make in the years to come onte of the greatest contributions to the relief of suffering humanity. It was. to be hoped that every, opportunity and assistance would bo given to those who were teaching anaesthesia and those who would go out to practise for accomplishing their purpose. Dr McMechan could', conceive of no greater accomplishment on the part of both s hocls than that each year a sufficient number of graduates should become available for the other hospitals, nursing homes, and for > general practice throughout New Zealand, and that such graduates would he able to accord the public every known, method of relief from physical pain. To achieve this development these institutions would havd to have a public demand and support for perfected service. No philanthropist in New Zealand could more endear himself to his country and its people than by founding Chairs of Anaesthesia in the two schools.