Central surgical association

The Central Surgical Association (CSA) was originally organized by Dr. Roy D. McClure in 1940. Dr. McClure organized the first group of surgeons that formed the CSA to fullfill the need for a regional association for surgeons in the central states. The CSA was officially organized during two meetings in 1940, in Detroit and St. Louis. McCLure was the first president.

From the description of Central Surgical Association archives, 1940-2007. (National Library of Medicine). WorldCat record id: 70164474

The Central Surgical Association (CSA) was originally organized by Dr. Roy D. McClure in 1940. Dr. McClure organized the first group of surgeons that formed the CSA because he felt there was need for a regional association for surgeons for the central states. In 1940, he wrote to several colleagues about the need to follow the example of other regional surgical associations around the country and form one for the central states. These surgeons met at in Detroit after Dr. McClure received much interest in forming the group. It was at this meeting that they decide to form the CSA. They later met in St. Louis where McClure presented a list of names to be identified as founders. Suggestions and drafts for the first constitution and by-laws were started at this meeting. It is also where they officially named the group Central Surgical Association, which included the central states and parts of Canada. McClure was named as the first president of the group.

The president serves for one year and is succeeded by the vice president/president elect once the term is over. However, during WW II, the members decided to forego this tradition due to the war efforts. Dr. Roscoe Graham served as president during this time and ended up serving for four years (1942-1946). The first constitution and by-laws were officially adopted in 1946. The constitution was been revised several times since it was first adopted, most recently in 2004, but has remained true to the original. Membership is by nomination, endorsement, and member vote, with a maximum of 250 members.

One of the most vital aspects of the CSA is the annual meetings the group holds. The first of these meetings was held in 1941. The CSA hold their annual meeting every spring, usually in March. During these meeting, which last for a few days and held at a different place every year, they present papers, hold meetings for the executive council, business session, and it is where the transition of the president takes place. There is also a meeting of the executive council that is held in the fall, usually in November. The group also use these meetings to honor colleagues, memorialize deceased members, and celebrate significant milestones, like the 25th (1966) and 50th (1991) anniversaries of the Central Surgical Association.

From the guide to the Central Surgical Association Archives, 1940-2007, (History of Medicine Division. National Library of Medicine)