DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS AND HIS PRIVATE SANATORIUM.
[Illustration: DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS.]
Dr. John R. Francis is distinctly a product of Washington, D.C.,
having first seen the light of day in that city. He is the only son of
one of the city's most worthy citizens, Richard Francis, his mother
being Mrs. Mary E. Francis. He has been loyal to his place of birth,
having remained constantly there except during his absence in other
states in the pursuit of his education. His early school days were
spent in the private and public schools of the District of Columbia;
his academic education was received at Wesleyan academy at Wilbraham,
Mass. His professional course was taken at the University of Michigan,
Ann Arbor, Mich., where he graduated with high honors in the class of
1878, which class is noted for the fact that some of its members are
the most distinguished scientists of the world to day. His career since
graduation has been that of the typical doctor. He has devoted his time
and energy during that period to the relief of suffering humanity.
With Dr. Francis it has not been a mercenary pursuit, but the relief
of the wounded and sick has always been his first thought when called
upon. Indeed his career has been such that he has been invariably
sought by the people of Washington as a most desirable person to assume
the several responsible positions that have fallen to him. He has
served that city and the colored people faithfully, and has done most
excellent service in the many offices of trust and honor which he has
held. Among his works we find that individuality and originality of
thought and action which is doing so much at the present time to draw,
to the colored citizens of this country, the attention of the civilized
world, and to command its respect for the former's intellectual ability
and skill to cope with the other American citizens in the upbuilding of
the government and the development of its grand institution.
[Illustration: DR. JOHN R. FRANCIS' private SANATORIUM.]
As a member of the school board of the District of Columbia Dr. Francis
was very progressive, and equally as aggressive in his attempt to bring
about the many needed reforms in the public schools of that city.
Although having done much good, on account of the lack of support by
the colored citizens, being ahead of the times as they saw it, he
resigned his position on the board because he saw the impossibility of
accomplishing the desired good and securing for them the many benefits
it was possible to gain at that time. His strengthening of the teaching
ability of the Washington High School and his improvement of the Normal
school, with the subsequent retrogressions is but a fair example of his
good work and the difficulties he had to overcome.
While acting surgeon-in-chief of Freedmen's Hospital during the several
months' illness of the surgeon-in-chief, he instituted reforms there
in the conduct of its professional workings, notably the surgical
and obstetrical department; in the management of ward work and the
installment of the present training school for nurses, which his
characteristic modesty has kept from the outside world and for which he
has never been given credit.
[Illustration: OFFICE AT SANATORIUM.]
He is now obstetrician to the Freedmen's Hospital and demonstrator and
clinical lecturer of obstetrics in the medical department of Howard
University.
[Illustration: OPERATING ROOM.]
One of his most worthy contributions, however, to the District of
Columbia and to the professional ability and business tact of the
colored man is the Francis Sanatorium at 2112 Pennsylvania Ave., N.
W., Washington, D.C.
[Illustration: DIET KITCHEN.]
This institution is established for the care of sick persons whose home
environments, as is well known, so often prevent proper treatment and
rapid convalescence. The object is to guarantee to such persons the
careful scientific treatment of the hospital combined with the comforts
of home.
Any physician in good standing is permitted to enter and treat here
proper cases, from his private practice, the compensation being as
usual, a matter of agreement between himself and his patient. In
such cases a fee is charged only for room, board, nursing, ordinary
medicine, and any assistance by Dr. Francis which may be desired.
A corps of trained nurses is constantly on hand by day and night.
No insane, contagious or other objectionable cases admitted.
All surgical operations will be charged for according to agreement
made, in advance.
Trained nurses are furnished, any hour of the day or night, to families
in the city where such services are needed.
This institution is conspicuous in being the only place of its kind in
the United States, established, owned and managed by a colored man.
Indeed we believe it is the only one in the world.
The works of this man are a credit to any community in which they
exist, and we advise the youth of to-day to imitate the example of Dr.
John R. Francis.