How can prophylaxis by treatment in the case of the venereal diseases best be obtained? / by James Pedersen.

  • Pedersen, James.
Date:
1907
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: How can prophylaxis by treatment in the case of the venereal diseases best be obtained? / by James Pedersen. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    impart instruction as to the serious nature of the venereal diseases, is a social duty which all are un- der moral, legal, and ethical obligation to fulfill. Assuming, then, that these axioms have been ac- cepted universally, the question how best to obtain prophylaxis by treatment in the case of private of- fice patients will never cause a moment’s concern, and will therefore be eliminated from this discus^- sion; while the same question as to public clinic patients will have been reduced to an inquiry into (A) dispensary facilities and (B) hospital facilities, necessary to thorough treatment and prophylaxis. To give all the weight possible to my paper, permit me to say that I have based it largely on the writ- ings of Fournier who, in a long experience, has given this subject much careful study and thought. I have aimed, however, to adapt his suggestions to American sentiments and have ventured to incor- porate my personal observations. (A) Dispensary Facilities. To advance the success of prophylaxis by treatment, we need more dispensaries and better facilities in those already established, all with provisions for carrying out the restrictions against dispensary abuse. Another paper, this evening, has dealt with that specific point, therefore no further comment is desired here. I may be permitted to say, however, that at present, in my experience, combatting the evil rests chiefly with the physician in the dispensary. He feels called upon in many cases to challenge the would be patient, thus taking from the already limited time allotted to treatment and teaching. To everyone thoughtfully interested, whether from a medical, a philanthropic, or a sociological point of view, it must be obvious that more dis- pensaries are needed, each located accessibly in a district not already provided for. These should be general dispensaries under private or public con- trol. Special dispensaries, i. e., for venereal dis-