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Hilda Salomon (left) with Helen Lamb at the 1977 Annual Meeting
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AANA NewsBulletin. September 1977:7-8.
Hilda Salomon, CRNA, who served as third president of the Association from 1935-36 was awarded the 3rd AANA Annual Agatha Hodgins Award for Outstanding Accomplishment at the formal dinner on August 24.
Miss Salomon, a resident of Pennsylvania, gave the following historical perspective which was read by Nancy Gaskey, CRNA, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
“My career as an anesthetist began in 1922 when, after completing the course at Lankenau Hospital under the late Dr. John B. Deaver, I applied for a position at the Jewish Hospital, Philadelphia. At that time, the chief surgeon, Dr. William H. Teller, employed all of the professional staff. My appointment was for 11am and I was five minutes late. He greeted me by saying, ‘If you are as efficient in administering anesthetics as you are in keeping appointments, goodbye.’ Right then and there I decided I would never work for such a man; however, within one hour he phoned me and asked me to report for duty the next day. Our close friendship and my position lasted for 25 years. My salary started at $80 per month plus room, board, and laundry. Hours on duty were around the clock with one day off a week. I was delighted!
In 1929, a group of Philadelphia anesthetists met monthly at various hospitals— the purpose being to discuss difficult cases, exchange ideas and promote good fellowship. We paid no dues, served no refreshments, and attendance was regular until about 1931.
In 1931, Miss Agatha Hodgins phoned me from Cleveland asking me to participate in a meeting for the purpose of organizing a National Association of Nurse Anesthetists. All expenses for this meeting and many thereafter were paid by the pioneers who attended. My greatest disappointment at this birth of our association was, that being obliged to return to duty before the attendance list was signed, my name did not appear on the charter member list. Because of my interest and loyalty to the nurse anesthetists, my hurt feelings were put aside, and it was with determination that I contributed whatever I had to offer in creating closer relationships and advancing the education of all my colleagues. This same year I reorganized the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists which had been inactive for many years.
In 1933, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists held its first convention in Milwaukee where Miss Hodgins was elected president and Mrs. Gertrude Fife, vice president.
In 1934, many schools of anesthesia were functioning in Philadelphia; and as director of the school at Jewish Hospital, the thought occurred to me that local meetings should be re-activated for the students as well as for our own benefit. I sent invitations to all Philadelphia anesthetists and students to attend a lecture at Jewish Hospital. Nineteen hospitals were represented; attendance increased and regular meetings continued for many years.
1935 was my problem year! This was the year I was elected national president, and would you believe the furor over the fact that I was a Jewess? Would you also believe that when I proposed to my Board the admission of the Black and also male nurse anesthetist, I was met with opposition? It was not until many years later they were accepted. At this same time, I also proposed the need for some sort of legislation whereby the function of the nurse anesthetist could be protected in the future. I was called an alarmist.
In 1936, at our annual convention in Atlantic City, another problem arose. The attorney general of Pennsylvania was to be our guest speaker, and as we were all assembled for the banquet, all the waiters went out on strike! Imagine my embarrassment when, as president, I had to announce that, ‘Inasmuch as we were all trained to serve humanity, all guests at the speaker’s table will please act as waiters and waitresses.’ We, including Attorney General Margiotti, served the fruit cup to the guests, when the maitre d’ notified me that he had procured help from elsewhere and all was well. This was really the most informal dinner ever attended.
In 1939, I was instrumental in organizing the New Jersey Association of Nurse Anesthetists at the Cooper Hospital in Camden.
1941!! World War II was in progress, and for many years our activities and meetings were curtailed. Everything was rationed. For the next 20 years, we gradually returned to normal, of which those of you present are aware.
1966. It was with much delight that the Delaware Valley Chapter of Nurse Anesthetists was reorganized. We have remained active and have held regular meetings and look forward to many more instructive sessions.
1969 brings us to the present. No one can deny that problems existed in the past and will continue in the future. In reviewing the status and growth of our many groups since their inception, we note with great pride that the end results are indeed worth all of the ‘blood, sweat and tears.’ Having long passed the three score years and ten period, I still have many young ideas. Yes, I agree with you that your salaries should be commensurate with your professional standing. More recognition is long overdue the nurse anesthetist. You must have explicit confidence in your national, state, and local organizations. You should become more active in your local group. To quote an old cliché, ‘Great oaks from little acorns grow.’ Until you become involved in the intricacies of any organization, you cannot possibly appreciate or hope to solve the many problems that arise.
It is my earnest belief that with patience, understanding, perseverance and maintenance of professional dignity, your goals will be achieved.”
Miss Salomon then addressed the assembled members herself, with these words:
“Our theme for this conference, ‘Preparing for tomorrow today,’ is quite apropos to the sentiments expressed 46 years ago when a small group of women met at the University of Cleveland Hospital for the purpose of organizing a National Association of Nurse Anesthetists. After many meetings of really hard work, we finally held our first convention in Milwaukee in 1933. Little did we think that our membership would ever reach the figure of more than 18,000 men and women.
In 1935, it was my honor to have been elected your third president, and during my two terms of office, many suggestions were proposed by me and flatly rejected as being too radical. But today, 44 years later, those so called radical ideas are included in our bylaws. That’s progress! It has been said that the strength of any construction depends upon its foundation. Let us never forget the most efficient architect, Miss Agatha Hodgins, who first laid the foundation.
Those of us who attended the first two years of strenuous preparation, assisted in the construction, and now you are the well chosen occupants of our make-believe but strong building – the AANA. Your progress has been most commendable. I shall be 82 years of age and have devoted half of my life to the interest of both our national and the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists, a privilege that has enriched my life.
With God’s help and guidance, may you live long and continue your untiring service to humanity.
It is truly with mixed emotions that I express my deepest gratitude for this great honor. May each of you enjoy the best of everything life has to offer. Thank you.”
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