Indianapolis Recorder Collections, Indiana Historical Society, and a description can be included, "Dr. Paul Terry Batties [second from left], president of the Aesculapian Medical Society, extends best wishes to Dr. Benn L. Davis and Dr. O.T. Gordon [right] as he presents them "Keys to the City," a gift from the office of Mayor William H. Hudnut and given to "special" citizens for outstanding and distinguished service. The occasion was a fond farewell buffet dinner and social hour given in honor of Doctors Davis and Gordon on Sunday, October 23, 1983.
AMS History
In 1903, the Aesculapian Medical Society was founded by a group of Black physicians, dentists, and pharmacists in Indianapolis formed the Aesculapian Medical Society (AMS) to advance the professional development, unity, and collective voice of African American physicians at a time when access to organized medicine and hospital privileges was limited by segregation and exclusion. Named after the ancient Greco-Roman god of medicine and healing Asclepius (Aesculapius), the organization was established in response to the refusal of the Indianapolis Medical Society and Indiana State Medical Association to admit Black physicians.
The Society emerged as both a professional home and a moral force, committed to excellence in medicine and service to the Indianapolis community.
This loosely organized group of medical professionals was more firmly established when Dr. Edwin Moten took over leadership of the society in 1929. By the 1940s, the society’s dentists and pharmacists had left to form their own organizations.
Continued Advocacy & Fellowship
In the early to mid‑20th century, African American physicians often faced systemic barriers that restricted training opportunities, hospital access, and participation in mainstream medical societies. In response, Black physicians organized locally to support one another, share knowledge, and advocate for equitable care. The Aesculapian Medical Society was established in this spirit—creating a forum for scientific exchange, mentorship, and mutual aid while addressing the urgent health needs of underserved populations.
From its earliest meetings, the Society emphasized high ethical standards, continuing medical education, and collaboration across specialties. Members recognized that collective strength was essential—not only to advance individual careers, but also to improve health outcomes for communities that had long been marginalized.
As the medical landscape evolved, the Aesculapian Medical Society grew in membership and influence. The Society became a trusted advocate for patients and physicians alike, addressing disparities in access to care, championing public health initiatives, and supporting institutions that served African American communities.
Educational Support and Mentorship
Educational programming, scholarship support, and mentorship of medical students and residents became cornerstones of the Society’s work. Through lectures, panel discussions, and community outreach, the Aesculapian Medical Society helped shape generations of physicians who combined clinical excellence with social responsibility.
The Society also fostered strong relationships with civic leaders, faith organizations, and health systems—recognizing that lasting change requires partnership. Whether responding to public health crises or promoting preventive care, the Aesculapian Medical Society consistently centered compassion, dignity, and equity.
AMS is one of the oldest affiliate chapters of the National Medical Association (NMA). Established in 1895, NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing African American physicians and health professionals. Programs, policies, and services developed by NMA are implemented at the local level by AMS.
In the succeeding decades, AMS has supported the continued advances of Black physicians into medical education and hospital administrative positions as well as contributed funds for medical school scholarships for Black students. It has also been committed to improving healthcare and eliminating health disparities for African Americans and other medically underserved populations.
Resilience, Leadership, and Service
Today, the Aesculapian Medical Society stands on a proud legacy of resilience, leadership, and service. While many of the barriers that necessitated its founding have changed form, disparities in health and representation persist. The Society continues to serve as a vital platform for advocacy, professional fellowship, and community engagement.
Guided by its founding principles, the Aesculapian Medical Society remains committed to:
- Advancing excellence and leadership among physicians
- Mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals
- Promoting health equity and addressing disparities
- Strengthening community trust and access to care
More Than a Record of the Past
The history of the Aesculapian Medical Society is more than a record of the past—it is an ongoing story of physicians united by purpose, dedicated to healing, and steadfast in the pursuit of justice in medicine.
AMS has had a long history of prominent members, including Dr. Joseph H. Ward, Dr. Harvey N. Middleton, Dr. Paul A. Batties, Dr. Edward Moss, Dr. Raymond O. Pierce, Dr. George H. Rawls, and Dr. Henderson. Along with their accomplishments in the medical field, these individuals were also important civic leaders in Indianapolis.
The Aesculapian Medical Society welcomes all Indianapolis physicians of color to participate in the organization. In addition to local monthly meetings, AMS members also attend regional and national conferences of the National Medical Association.
A more detailed history of the Indianapolis Black Physician can be found here.
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