Symbols and Myths of Medicine

In Symbols and Myths of Medicine, Dr. Jerry W. Martin explores what early men believed about medicine and healing, and how ancient symbols and myths evolved through time. In particular, the book details the medicinal practices and symbols of Greek, Roman and other cultures, and explains how these symbols may still be found in the medical community today.

Jerry W. Martin, M.D., was born in Providence (Webster County), Kentucky, on November 28, 1935, to Charles R. Martin, Jr. and Rosena Playl Martin. He graduated from Providence High School in 1954 and continued his education at Vanderbilt University in 1954-55 (Sigma Nu), B.S. from Western Kentucky State College, 1958, and M.D. at University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1963 (Alpha Kappa Kappa). He married Jimmie D. Hobgood on December 18, 1955. They have two daughters: Melissa Martin Johnson, RN and Mary Elizabeth Martin, B.S., D.V.M.; a son, Charles Stanley Martin, B.S., B.A., M.A., J.D.; one grandchild, Elizabeth Johnson Hathaway, B.A.; and one great grandchild, Sarah Elizabeth Hathaway. He was drafted from private practice in 1966. After attending the Medical Field Service School in 1966 at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, he was assigned to the 18th Surgical Hospital (MA), Pleiku, Pleiku Province, Republic of (South) Vietnam (Central Highlands), June 1966-June 1967. Upon returning to the U.S., he was Director of the Out Patient Clinic, U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Campbell, Kentucky (July 5 to December 11, 1967). For his Vietnam service he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnamese Service Medal (Three Campaigns), Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Certificate of Achievement (4th Infantry Division) and the Meritorious Unit Citation. While in private practice of Family Medicine in Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky from 1964 to 2002, he served as Warren County Medical Society President (1971- 72); KAFP (President [1985-86] and Doctor of the Year [1990]); Charter Diplomat ABFP; Warren County Board of Health (1973-80); Chief of Staff, BG-WC Hospital (1970-71); President of Staff (1976-77) and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Greenview Hospital (1978-79); Board of Directors, Warren County Chapter, American Heart Association (1981-97); KMA Board of Trustees (1987-93); Board of Directors of KEMPAC (1987-92); AAFP Bylaws Committee (1993-96), Chairman (1996); Delegate to AAFP (1992-98); Fellow, Royal Society of Medicine (1992- ); Associate Professor, U of L Dept. of Family Medicine; AAFP Delegate to AMA (1996-2008); WKU Team Physician (1968-2002); Physicians Recognition Award (19170-2006); AAGP and Founding Fellow, AAFP; Charter Member, American College of Emergency Physicians (1970); Life Member, KMA and AMA. Served on the Board of Governors, BG-WC Arts Commission (1989-93); Chairman, Research and Resources Committee, Bowling Green-Warren County Bicentennial Commission (1996-98); National Board of Directors, WKU Alumni Association (1999- 2003); Co-Founder and Chairman, Board of Directors L.Y. Lancaster Lectureship Society (WKU, 1980- ); Honorary Member W-Club (1994- ); Kentucky Museum Advisory Council (1996-2002); Member Committee of 75 (WKU 75th Anniversary, 1981); College Heights Foundation Board of Directors (1991- ); Hilltopper Athletic Foundation (1968- ), Board of Directors (1980-86); WKU Summit Award (2004 and 2008). Member of First Baptist Church since 1964, Deacon since 1968 (Chairman 1996 and 2002); Chairman, Committee to Commemorate 175th Anniversary (1993); History and Archives Committee (1975-2003), Chairman (1995-2003); Former Member, BG-WC Jaycees and Rotary Club; Member: Kentucky Historical Society; Filson Club; Kentucky Ornithological Society; Photography Society of America (1965- ), Area Representative (1976-88), District Representative (1988-93); and a Member of EQB Literary Club (1982- ).