Cincinnati Medicine: A Celebration of the Past and Perspectives for the Future

Daniel Drake(1785-1852) “Most influential physician who has ever lived in our city” “The Benjamin Franklin of the West” “All that is old and good in Cincinnati was founded by Daniel Drake” - Sir William Osler

Daniel Drake Beginnings

• Born in New Jersey in 1785, raised in Maysville, KY
• Moved to Cincinnati in 1800 to be the apprentice of Dr. William Goforth
• Awarded a medical diploma in 1804 (first in the West) and becomes Goforth’s partner
• Obtains an M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1816; first M.D. in Cincinnati
• In 1817, on founding faculty of the Medical Department of Transylvania University in Lexington, KY
  -Inspired by his first experiences as an educator

Daniel Drake's Medical Contributions

• Obtained charter for Medical College of Ohio in 1819
• Obtained charter for Cincinnati Commercial Hospital in 1820
• Helped found the Medical Department of the Cincinnati College in 1835
• Member of faculty of Jefferson Medical College (Philadelphia), Louisville Medical Institute
• Founded Cincinnati’s first Eye Infirmary in 1827
• Created and edited The Western Medical and Physical Journal in 1827

Ahead of His Time

Believed passionately in professionalism and standards in medical education In 1820, founded Cincinnati Medical Society, precursor to Cincinnati Academy of Medicine -AMA formed in 1847 In 1832, published “Practical essays on medical education and the medical profession in the United States” -Advocated for hospital-based medical training -Recommended requisite four years of training

“Leader in nearly every enterprise”

“No movement of any important character was undertaken without soliciting his powerful and ever growing influence” Organized School of Literature and the Arts in 1813 Published “Picture of Cincinnati and the Miami Country” in 1815 Founded Western Academy of Natural Science in 1818 Suggested buckeye tree as state emblem Founded Spring Grove Cemetery