History - 1960

Three new Minnesota clinics were founded in 1960.  These included Columbia Park Medical Group, P.A. (founded as Columbia Park Clinic); Northwest Family Physicians, P.A.; and Southwest Clinic Ltd., Edina.

We are virtually certain that there was an Annual Conference held each year since the founding of MMGMA in 1951.  Our best efforts thus far have failed to identify the location of or the leader of the conference in 1960 or 1961.  Woody Glad says that he and George Lehigh chaired the conference in 1960, 1961 or 1962.   For various reasons, we have concluded that 1962 is the most likely date of their leadership.

The Albert Lea Clinic was formed in 1960 with H.P. Danielson as their first Administrator.  The Albert Lea Medical and Surgical Center had been formed in 1940.  We note that Charles Lowery joined that group in 1957 and NACM in 1960.  These two groups were to consolidate into the Albert Lea Regional Medical Group, P.A., in July 1985.

The 346th Annual Conference of NACM was held at the Statler Hilton in Dallas on Nov. 6-9, 1960.  President Arthur A. Johnson chaired the conference.

An important subject at the conference was discussion regarding the IRS regulations pertaining to incorporation of clinics which regulations were finally adopted.

Formalized, written reports were produced for each of the committees of the NACM.

The Accounting Committee, including Minnesotans Robert L. Newell who was Vice Chairman and June E. Shaver who was a member, produced a report including the following interesting items:

• Annual costs survey covering calendar year 1959 was made available at this conference.  The committee expressed satisfaction that 189 clinics had participated vs. 145 in 1958 and 110 in 1956.
  
• The committee developed an article on internal control for medical clinics which was published in the October issue and would be reprinted and made a part of the Accounting Chapter of the Clinic Manager's Manual; and
  
• A third project which is underway would produce another addition to the Accounting Chapter of the Clinic Manager's Manual and would show the use of graphs as a management tool, particularly as they apply to medical clinics.
  
  

The Clinic Procedures Committee was charged with 1) "writing of the chapter on clinic procedures for the Clinic Manager's Manual" which was completed during the year, and 2) "revision of the list of headings for the uniform filing system for members of the National Association of Clinic Managers."

The Medical Economics Committee produced a sizable volume of activities including three papers on prepayment: 1) "labor union-sponsored plans for health care," 2) "industry sponsored plan of prepaid medicine" by Mr. F.W. Winsel of the Springfield Clinic, Springfield, Ill., pulled together by Donald Starr of the Tucson Clinic, Minnesota participants on this committee including Stanley N. Allen and Robert W. Fleming,.

New NACM members or associate members from Minnesota were C. Charles Lowery of the Albert Lea Medical and Surgical Clinic, and Ray L. Aalto of the Duluth Clinic.  New replacement members included J. Roger Asplin replacing Richard E. Anderson at the St. Louis Park Medical Center and Allan G. Farley replacing Philip K. Schumacher at the East Range Clinic in Virginia.

The Committee on Education, headed by Harold E. Scherer of Monroe, Wis., prepared an impressive report.

It's useful perhaps to recall some of the landmarks leading up to the educational accomplishments reported this year:

• Established Education Committee in 1951;
  
• Education Committee published comprehension report with plans for the future;
  
• Published statement of philosophy and goals in 1953;
  
• Held meetings with Dr. Hartmann over several years; and
  
• Activated the College in 1956.
  
  

We are reminded that progress doesn't just happen.  It takes time, dedication, perseverance, leadership and thoughtful work -- building upon the successes and failures of the past.

The Western Section held its Annual Conference in Palm Springs, mainly on the subject of professional corporation legislation.  The Southern Section held its annual Conference in Fort Worth, mainly on incorporation.  The Midwest Institute was held at Ohio State University on the subject of personnel and the Southern Section held an institute at Tulane University on overhead.