Graefenberg Medical Institute
| Active | 1852–1861 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Philip Maddison Shepard |
| Location | , , U.S. |
Graefenberg Medical Institute was Alabama's first medical school, established in Dadeville, Tallapoosa, Alabama in 1852. It was the brainchild of Dr. Philip Maddison Shepard, who drew inspiration from a similar medical institute in Austria.[1] Dr. Shepard's announcement of the school's opening in local newspapers in August and September 1851 marked a significant milestone in Alabama's medical education history.[2]
The institute operated with two sessions per year, each lasting approximately four to five months, offering a flexible admission policy. Completing just one session was sufficient for graduation, reflecting the institute's progressive approach.[3] It was equipped with a library, pharmacy, anatomical laboratory, classrooms, and an auditorium. The three-story building, situated on the public road to Dudleyville, served as a hub for instruction, housing, and cadaver storage, creating a rich and comprehensive educational environment.[4] The institute's location was not just a geographical detail but a testament to its pioneering role. It was the first functioning medical school chartered by the Alabama legislature, leaving a mark on medical education in the region. The school had about 50 graduates; at least five were Dr. Shepard's children. The last session recorded was held in 1860. The closure of the institute had a significant impact on the medical education landscape in Alabama, leading to the establishment of new medical schools and the adoption of new educational approaches. The school burnt down in 1873, along with all of its records.[5][6]
References[edit]
- ^ Graefenberg (20 August 2021). "Sign". Explore Tallapoosa County. Tallapoosa County Tourism. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Graefenbrg. "Newspaper". Newspapers.com. The Weakly Advertiser. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Schafer, Elizabeth D. (2002). Lake Martin, Alabama's Crown Jewel. United States: Arcadia. ISBN 978-0-7385-2390-3.
- ^ Henderson, Bannard (6 January 2024). "News". Big 14 News. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ Annual report of the State Board of Health of Illinois. 1894. Weber, Magie & Company. 1894.
- ^ "Graefenberg Medical Institute Dadeville". The Weekly Advertiser. 1851-09-16. p. 4. Retrieved 2024-04-07.
Further reading[edit]
- Medical Association of the State of Alabama (1886). Transactions of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. United States: The Association.
- The Alabama Review: Volume 14. United States: Alabama Historical Association by University of Alabama Press. 1961.
- Tap Roots: Volumes 37-38. United States: Genealogical Society of East Alabama. 1999.
- Annals of Medical History: Volume 5. United States: P.B. Hoeber. 1933.
- Alabama Legislature, Senate (1859). Journal of the Senate of the State of Alabama: Volume 7. United States.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - Ingram, William Pressley (1951). A History of Tallapoosa County. United States.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - Lindsey, Bobby L. (1971). The Reason for the Tears: A History of Chambers County, Alabama, 1832-1900. United States: Hester Print. Company.
- Alabama Legislature, Senate (1860). Journal. United States.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - Owen, Thomas McAdory; Owen, Marie Bankhead (1921). History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography: Volume 1. United States: S. J. Clarke publishing Company.