By Timothy G. Nutt

On October 7, 1879, the first class of the newly-established Arkansas Industrial University Department of Medicine opened in Little Rock. One hundred forty-five years ago this year, Arkansans had the first opportunity to attend an in-state medical school. Previously, those interested in attending formal school to study medicine had to go to out-of-state institutions in St. Louis, New Orleans, Louisville, or other major cities. 

The school, itself, had been established only a few months earlier, after a deal had been negotiated between leaders at Arkansas Industrial University (now-University of Arkansas, Fayetteville) and eight Little Rock physicians.  The arrangement allowed the eight doctors to establish a proprietary medical school using the name of the state university. The use of Arkansas Industrial University in the name of the new medical school was the only connection AIU had with the new entity since University leaders provided no input in the curriculum nor budgeted any money for the new entity. The eight doctors who pledged their own money in order to fund the school had teaching and administrative positions in the school and divided any profits realized by it. 

Dr. P.O. Hooper served as president of the Department of Medicine, as well Professor of Theory and Practice of Medicine; Dr. Edwin T. Bentley served as Professor of Institutes and Practice of Surgery; Dr. A.L. Breysacher served as Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children, Dr. Roscoe Greene Jennings was appointed Professor of Clinical Surgery and Venereal Diseases. Dr. John J. McAlmont, a former mayor of Little Rock, served as chair of Materia Medica and Therapeutics. Dr. James A. Dibrell Jr, held the position of Professor of Anatomy, while Dr. James H. Southall held the chair of Institutes of Medicine (physiology). The last of the eight founders was Dr. Claiborne Watkins, who was appointed Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology. Additionally, a number of other physicians served in adjunct positions in the new medical school. With the purchase and renovation of the former Sperindio Hotel completed and school leadership in place, plans were made for the school’s inaugural session. 

At the opening ceremonies on October 7, 1879, Governor William Miller welcomed the new faculty, students, and public to the event. Six of the students of the inaugural class were in attendance that day, although 16 more entered the school during the next few weeks. All of the students were male and ranged in ages from 18 to 39, with varying experiences and education. A few women had applied to enter the medical school, but their applications were rejected simply because of their gender. 

Students attended classes five days a week for the next five months, the length of the first academic session. The first commencement exercises were held on March 2, 1880, which again featured remarks from Gov. Miller. Dr. Hooper conferred the M.D. degree on Dr. Tom M. Pinson, the lone graduate that year. Pinson’s diploma had not arrived in time so, instead, he was presented with Dr. Hooper’s diploma. 

The newly-minted Dr. Pinson, a native of El Dorado, had already served an apprenticeship and attended the University of Louisville Medical College, hence the reason he was able to graduate after only a semester at the AIU Department of Medicine. After his graduation, Pinson returned to El Dorado to practice medicine with his father, Dr. John Hendrick Pinson. In 1885, the younger Dr. Pinson moved to Cookville, Texas, where he operated his medical practice until 1889, when he returned to El Dorado. After the death of his wife in 1917, Dr. Pinson moved back to Texas, where he practiced medicine in Kerrville until his death in 1940. 

While the last 145 years have been filled with challenges, UAMS continues to improve the quality of education for those interested in medicine and the other health sciences, as well as improving overall access to health care for all Arkansans. The feelings and emotions of those first twenty-two medical students in 1879, are probably similar to what the students entering medical school for the 2024-2025 academic year are feeling—hope, excitement, and pride.  

Timothy G. Nutt is the Director of the UAMS Historical Research Center.