The Mercer County Medical Society dates back to 1848, founded to provide physicians with a meeting place to communicate with their colleagues. We have beautifully handwritten journals detailing the trials and tribulations of physicians. But for reasons unknown the journal writing ceased in the late 1800’s until 1968 when the late John F. Marshall, MD brought life back to the MCMS Journal. He recognized the void and designed a journal for physicians to discuss medical advances, express concerns on practice management with the intrusion of government regulations and managed care, highlighted the artistic talents of members and kept everyone informed with a hospital and community calendar. The Journal was monthly and met deadlines because of Dr. Marshall’s dedication and support of his colleagues.
I began my career with the Society as Dr. Marshall’s editorial assistant and learned the importance of communication for physicians. It wasn’t unusual to correct stories during his office hours but if you had the honor of knowing Dr. Marshall that could be 9 o’clock in the evening since he worked 24/7. He retired as editor but never put down his pen or the phone. Being a friend of John Marshall meant you were connected for life. He always called with advice and support for the editors that succeeded him, Dr. Ismail Kazem and Dr. Nicholas Rossos and me. He wrote a beautiful proclamation for Dr. Delores Williams three weeks before his death that was read at her installation by Dr. Philip Kauff. He guides me now as I work with Dr. Marvin Darter from Rider University and his MBA Electronic Communication Class to develop the Mercer County Medical Society website bringing the Society to the next level of communication.
Designing the web has been exhilarating and a labor of love. There will be kinks that have to be worked out especially with the database for the physician referral service and additional pages but our goal is to enable physicians and the community to communicate and learn any time of the day. Dr. Frank Pizzi, Past President is working with me to keep Dr. Marshall’s legacy alive by creating the John F. Marshall, MD Mercer County Medical Society Historical Library that will feature copies of articles from the old journals updated monthly. This is an expensive venture that we will ask all members to support. The possibility of a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is being researched in order to preserve this site indefinitely.
The Mercer County Medical Society is a great partnership. MCMS gives a lifelong commitment to its partners. Who are they? Partners are physicians, patients, parents, office staff, nurses and hospital teams. Why so many partners? No matter the eras a person cannot become a physician without having someone to help them heal the sick. The medical profession requires teamwork to keep the partners well informed and the Society is a part of that team. With the expansion of our communication technology we will strive to prevent voids in getting the necessary educational information out to you and the community today, tomorrow and long into the future. New websites need editing and I can’t do it alone remember we’re partners. I will be asking for your advice, opinions and participation. This can be the best website in New Jersey with your support.
Additional Information:
An Open Letter from the Director to Young Physicians
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