Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1920 [PAGE 119]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

1918]

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

115

Correspondence concerning this matter is now being carried on by the Dean of the College of Medicine and Dr. Baldy. In the meantime in answer to a question addressed to the Surgeon General's Office by Dr. J. M. Baldy, the following letter was sent by Dr. H. D. Arnold, Lieut. Colonel, Medical Corps U. S. A., for the Surgeon General. It shows that Dr. Eycleshymer had the approval of the Surgeon General's Office in the recommendation he made through me to this Board. It also shows that the Surgeon General's Office considers that Dean Eycleshymer "is attacking this problem in an intelligent manner". August 26, 1918 Dr. J. M. Baldy, 2219 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, Pa.

DEAR S I R :

The Surgeon General directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of August 2, and to reply. The Dean of the Medical Department of the University of Illinois consulted us in this office with reference to the inauguration of the plan of continuous sessions and submitted a well considered arrangement of the course of study which seems practicable of application without material deterioration of the standard. While the number of teachers in this school has been diminished, as in many of the medical schools, it was not felt that this diminution had gone to an extent that would impair the character of the instruction. Dean Eycleshymer is attacking this problem in an intelligent manner and is impressed with the necessity of maintaining the standard while adapting the school course to war conditions. The plan for continued sessions at the Medical Department of the University of Illinois had the approval of the Surgeon General's Office, and I do not feel that it is necessary to make any further investigation,—partly because within the past year I personally made a fairly careful examination of the school and its work, altho not a formal, complete inspection. I enclose for your attention a copy of a circular letter now being sent in answer to many inquiries received. This will indicate that plans for the future cannot at the present moment be stated authoritatively. I would state to you personally, however, that if the plans of the General Staff and the Committee on Education and Special Training are carried out there will necessarily be some radical changes in medical education on the basis of intensive training. As soon as a definite announcement can be made you will receive the information. My personal opinion is that as soon as we have enough definite information about these plans it will be desirable to call together the Advisory Committee, which represents the medical schools and of which you are a member. Yours very truly,

H. D. ARNOLD

Lieut. Colonel, Medical Corps, U. S. A.

This statement was received for record.

BUILDINGS FOR S. A. T. C. (23) A statement that it may be necessary to erect buildings in connection with the housing and feeding of the members of the S. A. T. C.

The President of the University was authorized to secure the preparation of plans and specifications for structures that may be needed.