A History of the Women’s Auxiliary to the American Academy of Neurology (P4-3.001)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> To demonstrate the role and changing functions of the Women’s Auxiliary to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). <h3>Background:</h3> Medical societies in the mid-20^th century often had accompanying societies catered toward spouses of the society members. The AAN was founded in 1948 and the Women’s Auxiliary was founded shortly thereafter. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We reviewed the historical archives of the AAN and the Women’s Auxiliary. We interviewed family members of past Auxiliary members and leaders. <h3>Results:</h3> The Women9s Auxiliary to the AAN was founded in 1949. It was formed by the neurologists’ wives with the intention of facilitating social and intragroup relationships between the academy members as well as recreational activities and entertainment. The first leaders of the organization included: Mmes. Fabing, McIntyre, Rosenbaum, Hughes, Moersch, Meister, Ruskin, Graves, Shapiro, Steegmann, Sahs, and Bailey. The S. Weir Mitchell Award of the AAN was initially suggested by Women9s Auxiliary to the Academy under the name of Junior Award in 1953. Over time, the activities of the Auxiliary shifted; the Auxiliary’s engagement in community outreach grew and the subcommittees expanded. The change was evident in the themes of educational classes included in the Auxiliary’s meetings, shifting from topics on homemaking to business or introduction to diseases like epilepsy. Based on interviews, the Auxiliary provided engagement and connection between people in similar situations. The Auxiliary’s Newsletter chronicled the group’s agenda and communications with annual events centered around the AAN annual meeting’s host city. In 1982, the Auxiliary requested the AAN to permit some of the group’s members to become involved in the scientific programs. The Auxiliary’s activities tapered in the late 1990s and the last correspondence was in 2000. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The Women’s Auxiliary to the AAN had robust membership and engagement that facilitated connections with an evolving focus over its 50-year existence. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Badihian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Christy has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for SAGE Publishing. Dr. Christy has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for The Becker Law Firm . The institution of Dr. Christy has received research support from Biohaven. Dr. Boes has nothing to disclose. Dr. Coon has nothing to disclose.