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HISTORY OF THE CHARLES R. DREW MEDICAL AUXILIARY 
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

By Mrs. John Holly, Historian

In 1949, a group of physicians' wives, all newcomers to Los Angeles, met at the home of Dr. and Mrs. J. Phytomn Taylor to discuss organizing a physicians' wives club as a means of becoming better acquainted with each other and also to help alleviate the feeling of estrangement in a fast growing city.

Mrs. Retha Beck, wife of Dr. William Beck, Sr., was elected the club's first president in 1950. This post was headed by her for almost three years. During her tenure and with the encouragement of the women, the doctors organized the Charles R. Drew Medical Society. The name of the physicians wives' club was changed to the Charles R. Drew Medical Society Auxiliary. As the city grew, our goals were expanded to reflect a sensitivity to the needs of our community. Black faces showed up as participants in almost all of the social programs and volunteer agencies of the megatroplis. Many of our involvements were firsts — among which are: The presenting of a nursing scholarship to students at Los Angeles County General Hospital, the giving of scholarships to medical students.

Continued involvement in the community led to the establishment of the Charles R. Drew Scholarship Loan Fund, Inc., a pioneer endeavor for Blacks which involves the physicians, the wives, and the community.

This corporation has generated funds in excess of $55,000 to provide loans for needy medical students from California. Two of the local auxiliary members have been elected president of the auxiliary to the National Medical Association. Namely, Mrs. Marcus O. Tucker and Mrs. Ralph Bledsoe. Other auxiliary members have served in various elected and appointed offices in the National organization. In 26 years, the auxiliary has grown from the initial group of 62 women to approximately 200. 

The potential for growth of this auxiliary is great because of the outstanding calibre of its members.

The auxiliary recognizes the number of female physicians are on the increase and their spouses are eligible for membership and are encouraged to participate.

The membership endeavors to live up to the pledge of the National. "We pledge as members of the National Medical Association Auxiliary to conduct our lives so that we may be a shining light in the communities in which we live and do everything within our power to foster the ideals of better living."

[[image – black & white photograph of Vera Ricketts]]
[[caption]] MRS. VERA RICKETTS President Charles R. Drew Medical Society Auxiliary [[/caption]]

[[image – black & white photograph of Dr. Philip Smith surrounded by 5 women]]
[[caption]] Philip M. Smith, M.D., President, G.S.M.A. in the company of lovely ladies. [[/caption]]  

[[image – black & white photograph of Carol J. Coffey and another woman]]
[[caption]] Carol J. Coffey, National N.M.A. Auxiliary Chairperson [[/caption]]  

[[image – black & white photograph of members of the National Convention Committee]]
[[caption]] AUXILIARY TO THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMITTEE 
Seated: (Left to right) Carol Coffey, Maureen Tyson, Aylene Y. Moore, Lynn J. Gues[[text cut off]], Rosinda D. Feaster, Florestine Biggers, June M. Patterson, and Esmay Fraser.

Standing: (Left to right)Jackie Holly, Vera L. Ricketts, Beatrice Davis, Juanita Dudley, Bettye Woodard, Joseph Gaines, Sheila Murchison, Phyllis Y. Hull, Frances V. Nickerson and Joan Payne. [[/caption]]