[Summer 1997; Vol. 24 No. 2]
Thomas E. Allen, M.D., a Towson psychiatrist, was installed as the 150th president of the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland (Med Chi), the state medical society, at its annual meeting on May 3. Med Chi, with its nearly 7,000 members, is the largest physician organization in the state. A longtime activist in Med Chi, the Baltimore County Medical Association, and other professional organizations, Dr. Allen brings to the position a record of hard work and a reputation for tenacity and intellect, colleagues say.
"Tom Allen is the smartest person I know," said John Buckley, M.D., a fellow psychiatrist. Referring to Dr. Allen's ability to organize and motivate medical society colleagues, Dr. Buckley said, "He understands the process better than anybody. He is a straight-shooter, absolutely." Arthur Hildreth, M.D., who, like Dr. Allen, is a past president of the Maryland Psychiatric Society, said, "I've valued Tom Allen's friendship and our professional contacts because he thoroughly thinks through issues and makes an impact."
The presidency of Med Chi is the latest of a long list of capacities in which Dr. Allen has served Med Chi, including executive councilor, vice president, treasurer, member of various committees, and trustee. Beyond his participation in Med Chi, Dr. Allen has held the office of president of the Baltimore County Medical Association, the Maryland Psychiatric Society, the Maryland Foundation for Psychiatry, and Maryland Association of Private Practicing Psychiatrists, and the Baltimore-Washington Society for Psychoanalysis.
Dr. Allen is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was educated at Princeton, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and trained at San Francisco General Hospital, Columbia-Presbyterian, the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Sheppard Pratt, and the Baltimore-Washington Institute for Psychoanalysis. He was drawn to the study of psychiatry by a close family friend, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who rented office space from Dr. Allen's father. As Med Chi's 150th president, Dr. Allen plans to focus on increasing grass roots involvement in the organization. "My challenge to Med Chi members is to get involved, help make sure that the organization goes in the direction in which they want it to go."