On Wednesday, October 7, 2015 the Michigan State Medical Society commemorated its 150th anniversary with a cornerstone celebration, held on the beautiful front lawn of the MSMS Headquarters in East Lansing. Distinguished attendees included current and past Society presidents and board members, as well as state legislators and government officials.
David Share, MD, board chair, opened and closed the ceremony. Tim Becker, chief deputy director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and Nathan Triplett, mayor of East Lansing, Michigan, each spoke about MSMS’s impact on the community and region. Rose A. Ramirez, MD, current president, and Alexander A. Harris, MS-II, student director of the board, each presented their ideas about the future of the Society and health care.
James D. Grant, MD, immediate past president, and David M. Krhovsky, MD, president-elect, shared the honor of opening and re-sealing the cornerstone. Doctor Grant opened the cornerstone and read the 1959 predictions for the future of medicine. Governor G. Mennen Williams’s predictions included: “I feel we will witness a continuing increase in medical facilities and a great expansion in the use of these facilities by every family and individual. We will be training hundreds of additional doctors, specialists, nurses and technicians each year and will undoubtedly be considering the establishment of a fourth Michigan medical school long before the year 2000 A.D.”
Now that the future referenced in this 1959 message is in fact here, Doctor Krhovsky read predictions for the next 50 years of medicine and health care. Doctor Grant and Doctor Krhovsky then re-sealed the cornerstone, which is set to be re-opened in 2065, when the Society celebrates 200 years.
Attendees also were able to observe items from the 1959 time capsule and enjoyed a reception with colleagues and friends to cap off the exciting event. Capsule documents may be viewed at http://www.msms.org/Cornerstone.