The First Physicians at Queen's Hospital, 1859-1894

This exhibit highlights the evolution of Queen's medical staff. Originally, house physicians were full-time employees of the Hospital who were the only professionals who could attend to patients. The original job description of the physicians was included as part of the Hospital's Rules and Regulations which were written in 1859. The salary for the House Physician to the Hospital was $1500 per annum.

In 1892 the Board of Trustees amended the by-laws to create a section within the Hospital's Rules and Regulations to govern the Hospital's Medical Service. At this time the position of House Surgeon was added. The Attending Physician and Attending Surgeon were paid a salary each of $100 a month. These physicians continued their private practices outside the hospital while attending to ward and private patients at Queen's.

The 1892 amendments to the by-laws also created an Honorary Board of Physicians to the Hospital, "to which any Physician resident in Honolulu and licensed to practice by the Hawaiian Government, may join upon vote of the Trustees. . .to visit the Hospital and make rounds with the attending Staff. . .and respond to all calls made upon them for consultation in important cases."

Rules & Regulations
Hospital Physicians at Queen's Hospital, 1859-1894
Physicians, 1859-1891
Physicians, 1892-1894

First Posted: November 26, 1999