A Brief History of the Kent County Osteopathic Association (formerly known as the Kent County Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons)
The Michigan Osteopathic Journal, of April 1928, reports of a meeting of the Western Branch of Michigan Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. The Western branch, which is believed to be what, became known as Kent County Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (now Kent County Osteopathic Association) met on March 8, 1928.
Minutes of the March 8, 1928 meeting report:
“The organization went on record to make an annual contract for the distribution of copies of Osteopathic Magazine. A committee was appointed to consider ways and means of organizing a Grand Rapids Osteopathic Free Clinic. Dr. William H. Bethune of Grand Rapids was able to secure the cooperation of the City Welfare Department in a case unable to pay for a needed operation. The Welfare Department will pay the hospital bills incurred and Dr. Bethune is to do the work gratis.”
In 1938, the members of the Kent County Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons were presented in the 40th Annual Convention of Members for the State of Michigan. The Society’s Officers were:
President: Harry A. MacNaughton, DO
Vice-President: Robert T. Lustig, DO
Secretary: Ellen VanAllsburg, DO
Treasurer: Preston M. Wells, DO
In 1940, the Directory of Members of the Kent County Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons stated the following Society Officers:
President: M.K. Conklin, D.O.
Vice-President: H.O. Messmore, DO
Secretary: Owen A. Rice, DO
Treasurer: Winifred McLravy, DO
In 1941, The Bulletin – the official publication of the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, Inc. reported Kent County Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons:
President: William H. Bethune, DO
Vice President: P.M. Wells, DO
Secretary: Owen A. Rice, DO
Treasurer: Irving H. Walters, DO
Program Chairman: H.O. Messmore, DO
The Michigan Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons issue of The Bulletin, September 1942, featured the following article:
Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital to Open Soon
Work on the Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital is being rushed to completion for occupancy early in October, according to Dr. Harry MacNaughton, chairman of the board of trustees. It was originally planned to open the new hospital October 3, coincident with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Osteopathic Education but delays on certain scarce building materials and priorities on certain pieces of equipment will cause the actual opening to be postponed, it was stated.
Completing the organized drive for finances with which to buy, furnish, and remodel the hospital building, the Kent County Association teams of doctors and laymen raised $32,678 in subscriptions, to date. The goal is $50,000 and includes an endowment fund of $8,000. The solicitations will continue until all names of prospects are contacted, it was announced by Dr. Winifred McLravy, Chairman of the finance committee. Dr. William H. Bethune and Dr. Robert T. Lustig will captain two “clean-up” teams comprised of local doctors and a few lay helpers.
The teams of Dr. H.O. Messmore and Dr. Lustig shared honors in the drive with the greatest number of subscription and the greatest amount of money from subscriptions, respectively. Dr. Warren G. Hooper oversaw the drive.
In 1942, a handful of Osteopathic physicians in Grand Rapids had a dream – to build a hospital of their own, dedicated to the osteopathic principles of holistic and patient-centered care. Overseeing the operation of the new hospital was Louis M. Monger, DO. A surgeon at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital for the previous 10 years, he had been brought on board to serve as hospital superintendent, medical director and chief surgeon. The Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital, located at 1225 Lake Drive, in Grand Rapids, was previously the residence of the Bishop of Grand Rapids Roman Catholic diocese.
The Bulletin, January 1943 reported Officers of Kent County Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons:
President Irving H. Walters, DO
Vice-President Ivan L. Taylor, DO
Secretary-Treasurer James V. Porcelli, DO
Corresponding Secretary Winifred E. McLravy, DO
Meetings of KCAOP&S Board and Membership were held at Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital (aka Metropolitan Hospital, Metro Health Hospital). Meetings of the Legislative Committee were also held there.
The story of Metro Health Hospital dates to 1942 when it was originally known as Grand Rapids Osteopathic Hospital. It was formed by a small group of osteopathic physicians who committed their personal resources to build a hospital dedicated to the principles of holistic and patient-centered care.
In 1957, the hospital relocated to 1919 Boston SE and, by the late 1970s, it had grown from 28 beds to more than 200. In 1985, the name changed to Metropolitan Hospital to reflect its role as a full-service, multi-specialty hospital serving a growing region. In October of 2005, the hospital became Metro Health Hospital, anticipating the move to Metro Health Village in Wyoming, MI. The advanced, state-of-the-art medical center opened on September 30, 2007, and is setting new standards of health care delivery in a less institutional, more therapeutic environment.
Much has changed since 1942, including the hospital’s name and location, but it’s what hasn’t changed that has made the success of this organization possible – the unwavering commitment to improve the health and well-being of our patients and our community.