Our History
Injury and illness accompanied the first miners and settlers to the Rogue River Valley. Jacksonville attracted people with various skills and physicians as well as carpenters, farmers and homemakers chose the thriving town as a place to settle. The opening of the West offered newly "traine"' doctors the opportunity to leave large cities for rapidly developing areas where little competition existed. War also pulled doctors from their hometowns and sent them to new locations. After the Civil War many battle-weary medical men went West. Much later, after World War I and World War II, physicians were encouraged to relocate once they finished war duties.
The history of medical practice in Jackson County reflects the human and economic development of the region. The 1850's and 60's were flourishing years, primarily due to mining activity near Jacksonville, the center of business and county government. From 1870 to the mid 80's, Jackson County experienced depression as the mining interests declined, but with the railroad's arrival in 1883, the valley experienced additional agricultural development and increased prosperity. Settlers arrived in increasing numbers to take advantage of good farmland and the pleasant climate. A land boom occurred during the first decade of the 20th century as newcomers rushed to buy land and plant orchards. Settlement declined quickly, however, when the hard reality of dry land destroyed many dreams. Not until 1920 when a dependable irrigation system was achieved, did the population begin to grow.
Many significant medical events occurred in Jackson County during its first half century. Doctors dealt with smallpox and diphtheria epidemics, competition from shysters and quacks, war injuries and fraud among their own numbers. The Southern Oregon Medical Society, the first regional medical society in the state, was formed in 1892 and physicians gradually established a bond of trust with hesitant area residents.
The Jackson County Medical Society was formed in 1921 when 14 physicians created the new organization. Qualified physicians applied for membership and members selected new associates. They demonstrated deep pride in their profession and quick judgment of those they considered 'irregulars' . They censored their own, celebrated special events and stood in moments of silence for their dead.
The medical society membership has grown dramatically through the years. The group of fourteen men who signed the charter now numbers nearly 500 with a healthy representation of lady physicians..
The phenomenal growth of the Society has been significantly enhanced by the parallel growth of modern health care facilities. The Rogue Valley has those three overwhelming elements that attract the well trained physician. Great facilities, skilled colleagues and a wonderful place to live.
Our valley has seen significant change in this the second half of the 20th century. Agriculture and wood products once our mainstays have been replaced as we have become a commercial center. The most prominent emerging industry is health care. The Jackson County Medical Society represents our County's major growth industry. Our members are dedicated to seeing it thrive.
The Jackson County Medical Society gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Kay Atwood. Her book "AN HONORABLE HISTORY"' details Jackson County medicine. She is liberally quoted here.