To the very distinguished members of the Pan American homoeopathic Medical Congress. In 1948 I was first honored with the Presidency of the Pan American after serving a one year apprenticeship as Vice-President and having had the pleasure of attending the Pan American meeting with you in Oaxaca, Mexico, in October, 1946.
I was an official representative of the Brazilian Government and carried an invitation from the President to have the Congress meeting in Rio in 1948; thus in October, 1948, the Pan American meeting in Rio in 1948; thus in October, 1948, the Pan American delegates were received at the docks of Rio de Janeiro with the song, “God Bless America,” played by the Military Band of the Guard Battalion of the Brazilian Army. Every one will remember that the city of Rio de Janeiro was decorated, the Avenues adorned with flags and lights displayed continuously during the eight days of the Convention.
A statue of Hahnemann was erected and still stands in one of the nicest parks of the wonder city. The meeting took place in the Hall of the Ministry of Education. Balls, receptions and banquets were offered to the delegate in the lavish rooms of the Military Club. Special stamps were printed by our post office to mark that event. And now, my good friends, fate again made you put your trust in me by again honoring me with the Presidency, asking me to promote for a second time a convention of the Pan American Homoeopathic Medical Congress in Brazil on October 2-13, 1954.
What can I now say or promise to you? My answer is I will do all in my power to make this 25th reunion most successful. You will know that the same Brazilian hospitality continues as ever with great fraternalism and friendliness.
Be most welcome as colleagues, brothers and friends. Be assured that we will render you special and distinguished treatment.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, S.A., Amaro Azevedo, M.D.
March 6, 1954, President.
Allan D. Sutherland was born in Northfield, Vermont in 1897, delivered by the local homeopathic physician. The son of a Canadian Episcopalian minister, his father had arrived there to lead the local parish five years earlier and met his mother, who was the daughter of the president of the University of Norwich. Four years after Allan’s birth, ministerial work lead the family first to North Carolina and then to Connecticut a few years afterward.
Starting in 1920, Sutherland began his premedical studies and a year later, he began his medical education at Hahnemann Medical School in Philadelphia.
Sutherland graduated in 1925 and went on to intern at both Children’s Homeopathic Hospital and St. Luke’s Homeopathic Hospital. He then was appointed the chief resident at Children’s. With the conclusion of his residency and 2 years of clinical experience under his belt, Sutherland opened his own practice in Philadelphia while retaining a position at Children’s in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.
In 1928, Sutherland decided to set up practice in Brattleboro.