Furthering the profession: the early years of the American Gynecological Club and its first European tours.

Abstract

Beginning early in the 20th century, a group of North American leaders in obstetrics and gynecology met annually to promote the furtherance of the specialty. The American Gynecological Club held its meetings at academic medical centers, spending 2 to 4 days viewing the latest diagnostic and operative techniques and hearing presentations by investigators at that institution. On several occasions, club members spent 1 month visiting the foremost medical centers in Great Britain and continental Europe, where they observed surgical procedures, attended clinics, and established friendships that transcended national boundaries. The early years of the American Gynecological Club represent a somewhat idyllic and bygone era in medicine and obstetrics and gynecology.