The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters

MS.-7-'10

A Statement Regarding the Training of Physicians

(The statement given below, was called forth by a question submitted by Elders I. H. Evans, E. E. Andross, and W. H. Cottrell, reading as follows: “Are we to understand, from what you have written concerning the establishment of a medical school at Loma Linda, that, according from the light you have received from the Lord, we are to establish a thoroughly equipped medical school, and the graduates from which will be able to take State Board examinations and become registered, qualified physicians?”) PC 304.5

The light given me is, we must provide that which is essential to qualify our youth who desire to be physicians, so that they may intelligently fit themselves to be able to stand the examinations essential to prove their efficiency as physicians. They are to be prepared to stand the essential tests required by the law, and to treat understandingly the cases of those who are diseased, so that the door will be closed for any sensible physician to fear that we are not giving in our school the instruction essential for the proper qualification of a physician. Continually the students who are graduated are to advance in knowledge; for practice makes perfect. PC 304.6

The medical school at Loma Linda is to be of the highest order, because we have a living connection with the wisest of all physicians, from which there is communicated knowledge of a superior order. And whatever subjects are required as essential in the schools conducted by those not of our faith, we are to supply so that our youth need not go to these worldly schools. Thus we shall close the door that the enemy could be pleased to have left open; and our young men and young women, whom the Lord would have us guard religiously, will not then need to connect with worldly medical schools conducted by unbelievers. - PC 305.1