HISTORY OF THE TSA LOGO 1936 - 2011
The logo of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists was designed in June of 1959 by M.T. Jenkins, MD, with the assistance of illustrator Miss Patricia O’Neill. The original drawing is kept on file in the Austin TSA office. The logo is utilized on all TSA official stationary. Now a three-foot by four-foot hand-carved wooden replica by artist Raymond Chapman is on permanent display in the Austin TSA office.
This logo depicts two significant dates: the 1936 founding of the Texas Society and the 1959 incorporation of the Society. In the center of the logo is the Lone Star. On the left of the star are three Poppy Pods. To the right of the star are four leaves of the Chondodendron tomentosum plant. Below the star is a garland of two branches. The medical specialty of Anesthesiology in Texas is represented by these powerful symbols.
The Lone Star: the star of the Lone Star State of Texas is a readily recognizable symbol on the flag of Texas and the Great Seal of the State of Texas. The star first appeared in 1817 on the flag designed by Colonel (Doctor) James Long. Olive and Live Oak branches make up the garland. The star of a state with a rich history of the diversity of land, resources and people is a fitting center piece of the logo of the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists.
Poppy Seed: Poppy is the common name for several hundred species of plants making up the family, Papaveraceae. Poppies, of the genus Papaver, contain a white, milky sap, deeply dissected lobular leaves and mostly long-staled, large, showy flowers. The opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, is an annual herb with white, pink, red or purple flowers. Opium alkaloids are present only in the milky sap of the unripened fruit capsule, before the seeds develop. The crude latex contains 26 alkaloids of which the most important are morphine, codeine and a paverine. Opiate alkaloids are considered the most effective of all pain relievers.
Chondodendron tomentosum: The alkaloid Curare is the prototype of all myoneural blocking agents utilized in surgical anesthesia. Tubocurarine, the essential structure of which was established in 1935, is the constituent with the physiological activity now associated with a whole family of powerful synthetic agents that block impulses between nerve and muscle. These pharmacologic agents are recognized as the province of the specialty of anesthesiology.
The wooden logo carving is prominently displayed in the reception area of the TSA office in the Texas Medical Association building.
Head to the George R. Brown Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Houston May 13-14. With 100+ hours of clinical and business CME, a lively exhibit hall with 100 exhibits, and the opportunity to network with colleagues from all over the state, you don’t want to miss TexMed.
For more information visit www.texmed.org.
Registration for the annual conference is free a benefit of your TMA membership.
Texas medical interns, residents, and fellows are welcome to attend TexMed as guests.
