MEDEX, the Program and the Person

In 1971 MEDEX Northwest was still in its infancy, but founder Dr. Richard Smith saw the need to communicate his vision for a mid-level healthcare workforce through this film. Recently we uncovered this 16mm reel of a film and had it digitized for wide viewing. Today, the colors have faded, but the message remains the same— that many Americans have limited access to quality healthcare, whether through geography or economics. Narrated by Dr. Smith himself, this 29-minute film offers insights into the origins of what would become the Physician Assistants profession. Dr. Smith can be seen speaking directly to the camera in a summary statement at the end of the film. Running time: 29 minutes, color

April 17, 2014