MISSION of the Aesculapian Medical Society

To advance the art and science of medicine for people of African descent through education, advocacy, and health policy to promote health and wellness, eliminate health disparities, and sustain physician viability.


AESCULAPIAN MEDICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS

Bennett D. Desadier, M.D., President





Ray L. Henderson, M.D., Vice President

Andrew Moore, M.D., Treasurer

Michael Slaughter, M.D., Secretary 





ABOUT THE AESCULAPIAN MEDICAL SOCIETY

The Aesculapian Medical Society was established in 1903 and is one of the oldest NMA chapters in the country.  African American physicians, dentists, and pharmacists originally banded together in Indianapolis around the turn of the 20th century when the Marion County Medical Society refused admission to blacks,  This loosely organized group was more firmly established in 1929 when Dr. Edwin Moten took over leadership of the group, named after the ancient god of medicine and healing.
 

(See Letter from Dr. Moten to Dr. Bethea in 1947)

Like its white counterparts, the society transmitted professional information and established group cohesion and recognition.  In addition, it was committed to self-protection against discriminatory practices within the local medical community.  Members pushed for the admittance African American doctors and patients into local hospitals, meeting success in 1953 when national forces converged with their efforts and city hospital (now Wishard Hospital) became integrated.  

In the succeeding decades, the society supported the continued advancements of African American doctors into medical education and hospital administrative positions.  The society has also pushed for better health care for African Americans through such organizations as the Metropolitan Health Council, and since the 1960s it has contributed funds for medical school scholarships for African American students.  During the 1940s, the society's dentists and pharmacists left to form their own organizations. 

Source: George H. Rawls, History of the Black Physicians in Indianapolis, 1870 - 1980  (Indianapolis, 1984)

Source: Eric J. Bailey, PhD, The Health-Care System and African Americans in Indianapolis (Journal of the National Medical Association, Vol. 86, No. 11) 

The Aesculapian Medical Society celebrated their 100th year in 2003 in a grand gala.  The organization meets the first Tuesday of the month August through June of every year.  The meeting is an opportunity for the physician membership of approximately 50 members to discuss organizational business and have a sponsored presentation on a medical topic of interest.  Many of the members are prominent members of the community in addition to being accomplished physicians in their medical field.  

Mailing Address:

AESCULAPIAN MEDICAL SOCIETY INC
PO BOX 681491
INDIANAPOLIS, IN  46268

To become a member, click on the Current AMS Members tab on the left-hand side of this page.

The Aesculapian Medical Society is an independent  501 (c) (3) organization (i.e., not affiliated with a National, Regional, or Geographic grouping of organizations). Contributions to the organization are tax deductible.  The organization receives a substantial part of its support from the general membership.  The organization is required to file Form 990 - (all other) or 990EZ return.