Our History
The Greensboro Medical Society (GMS) was formed several years after the opening of L. Richardson Memorial Hospital which opened on May 4, 1927. Early accounts indicate that the society was not active during the late 1920's and 1930's. In the mid 1940's; however, the GMS was re-activated. During this time, Drs. G.H. Evans, C.C. Stewart, J.P. Sebastian, J.C. Waddy, J.R. Hawkins, W.J. Hughes, Sr., G.C. Simkins, Sr., B.W. Barnes, M.S. Jenkins, W. Murrow, and Hargraves were the physicians, dentists and pharmacists who composed the Society and staffed L. Richardson Hospital. All members were also affiliated with the Old North State Society and National Medical Association. They came together during this time for the purpose of education, fellowship, networking and socialization.
Because of the policy of segregation, which was prevalent in America during this time, these doctors were denied staff privileges at the majority hospitals and membership in the mainstream majority health professional organizations. These included the American Medical Association, American Dental Association and their regional and local affiliates. The Greensboro Medical Society therefore served as an outlet to temper the ill-effects of the isolation of these times.
Because of the policy of segregation, which was prevalent in America during this time, these doctors were denied staff privileges at the majority hospitals and membership in the mainstream majority health professional organizations. These included the American Medical Association, American Dental Association and their regional and local affiliates. The Greensboro Medical Society therefore served as an outlet to temper the ill-effects of the isolation of these times.
Simkins et al vs. ConeAfter World War II, leaders in the black community were determined to improve health care for black persons by ending discrimination in hospital policies and practices.Leaders of professional organizations developed a collaborative strategy that involved the court system, federal legislation, and research and education of the public and health professionals to integrate the hospital system rather than to expand the existing separate-but-equal system. Efforts culminated in the case of Simkins v Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital; this case became the landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court and led to the elimination of segregated health care.
Cone Health Honors Dr. Alvin Blount
Dr. George Simkins Jr - Statue |
L. Richardson Hospital
The story of L. Richardson Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of united community effort, financial struggle, and the will to survive. Charles H. Moore, a veteran Greensboro city school teacher for whom a present day city school is named, is credited with having begun the agitation for a Negro hospital to serve the needs of the city. Dr. S. P. Sebastian, a practicing physician who had operated the private Trinity Hospital for Negroes and layman Watson Law were other Negro leaders of the pioneer group. On January 20, 1923, at the meeting of the Greensboro Negro Hospital Association Incorporated, 61 incorporators signed the charter, which was later filed with the Secretary of the State of North Carolina, W. N. Everett, on February 12, 1923.
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