The Story of our Health Message

The Crisis of 1953

Early in 1953 a crisis developed in our medical education program. The American Medical Association’s Committee on Medical Education and Hospitals advised again that the College of Medical Evangelists should consolidate its medical education work on one campus. Though this was not a new suggestion, it did present a problem. The American Medical Association kindly sent from Chicago two of its leading educators to study the matter with the college Board of Trustees and the officers of the General Conference. Their attitude showed a rather clear understanding of our denominational viewpoint on the matter. They remained firm, however, in their belief that we should unite the school on one campus. SHM 406.3

No immediate action was taken, because it was felt that the question should be given very careful study. Leading officers of the General Conference and the College of Medical Evangelists desired to know the mind of God in this matter before making any move. From the office of the Ellen G. White Publications was gathered all available counsel given regarding the location of the medical school and its objectives in the training of doctors for medical missionary work, together with the accompanying historical setting. SHM 407.1

After exhaustive study of the Spirit of Prophecy counsels and consideration of the economic and educational factors bearing on any move toward consolidation, the College of Medical Evangelists Board of Trustees voted with near unanimity to continue the School of Medicine teaching program on two campuses. They saw consolidation in Los Angeles as not fully in the spirit of the original ideal for the work of Loma Linda, and impractical for several reasons involving teaching faculty and facilities. SHM 407.2

On the other hand, they recognized that the Loma Linda area lacked the large population and hospital facilities considered essential for effective clinical teaching. The two-campus operation had the approval of Mrs. White, afforded fine clinical teaching opportunities, and spared the huge capital expenditure necessary to duplicate the buildings and equipment of either campus on a new site. The Autumn Council of 1953 accepted this recommendation, and arrangements were made for the continued operation of accredited medical education on two campuses. SHM 407.3