The National Medical And Dental Association, Inc.Polish Medical and Dental Association of America
by Henry Bembenista, DDS, Historian
Origin and History
Some sixty years ago, several prominent Polish - American leaders in the profession recognized the need to form a national organization. In 1910 these dedicated men met in Detroit and organized the Polish Medical and Dental Association of America. Dr. K. G. Cieslak, M.D. was elected its first president. Chapters were formed in the large cities and industrial centers where the Polish immigrants settled to carve out a new life in America. It was incorporated in Ohio in 1924. After World War II, the name of the organization was changed to The National Medical and Dental Association, Incorporated.
The organization flourished and prospered and following World War I at the request of the United States government, several members were commissiond to aid the new Polish nation, establish a public health program. The distinguished Francis E. Fronczak, M.D. of Buffalo was honored by both the United States and the Polish government for his contribution.
During World War II and after, thousands of dollars of equipment and medicines were collected by our membership to help the unfortunate in war devastated Poland and to care for the wounded veterans of the Free Polish Army. Hospitals and clinics were built with funds collected by our own groups.
One of the more recent notable achievements was the aid and establishment of Laski - a home for blind children. The late Conrad M. Mietus, M.D. received a citation for his work with the blind in Poland.
Locally, similar efforts have resulted in staffing institutions like St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit, the St. Joseph's Intercommunity Hospital in Butfalo, St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago; not to mention the volunteer medical and dental services donated to homes for the aged, the orphans and other charitable agencies. In many instances, the local chapters initiate and support annual fund drives to assist these agencies with financial aid as well.
Organization
The National Medical and Dental Association, Inc., is a unique organization of physicians and dentists of Polish heritage. It is the parent organization of several smaller local units or chapters. Chapters are located in Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Newark. Members not located in a chapter attend meetings at the national annual combined conventions.
The governing body ot NMDA consists of its officers and an executive body of regional consultants. Elections are held annually at NMDA conventions to which members in good standing are invited to participate. This is usually a three-day meeting, held in a pleasant resort area, well attended by the members and their families. Scientific, technical, and social events round out the convention.
The coveted annual Man of the Year award is presented to an outstanding man or woman of Polish heritage who has distinguished him(her)self in his/her field of work. In the past, this honor has been bestowed upon Mr. Piasecki of the Piasecki Helicopter firm, Dr. Colby in the field of literature, the distinguished Federal Court Judge Thaddeus Machrowicz in law, Dr. Coleman of Alliance College, Cambridge Springs, Pa., and Felix Wroblewski, M.D., of the Sloan-Kittering Research Foundation, New York, to mention a few.
A scholarship fund is maintained to make available funds to needy students in order that those deserving and in need are able to continue thelr studies In dentistry and medicine.
The Bulletin is the official quarterly publication of NMDA. It presents technical writings and news of interest to its members. Editor in Chief, Henry Bielinski, M.D., of Chicago, and Henry Kelly, D.D.S., of Cleveland, carry on in traditional style set many years ago by Peter Warren, D.D.S., and W. F. Kalisz, M.D., who served as Editors for over twenty-five years until their retirement.
Membership
Active membership is available to ethical dentists and physicians of Polish heritage licensed to practice medicine or dentistry, also allied professionals, in the U.S. and eligible for membership to the AMA or ADA. Additional information regarding membership may be secured upon request by adressing the Bulletin, 1133 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60640.
From: The Bulletin of the National Medical and Dental Association