Caring for the community in practice for over 100 years.
1917
The oldest medical auxiliary in the country — and the model for others founded across the United States.
A Century of Service
Caring for the Community in Practice for Over 100 Years
Founded in 1917, DCMSAF was started by a group of doctors' wives who saw the need to serve as World War I was waging in Europe. They set service to the Red Cross as their primary project, with patriotism, philanthropy, and fellowship as their motives.
As the Auxiliary evolved — including the 1974 gift of Rena Aldredge's home on Swiss Avenue — physicians of both genders joined the doctors' wives in serving Dallas County's healthcare needs. The name changed from Auxiliary to Alliance, and after the DCMSA Foundation was created as a 501(c)(3), the Alliance was given 501(c)(6) status. Today, the combined organizations provide educational programs, community outreach, and fellowship, enriched by Alliance Retired Physicians, Young Alliance, Alliance Women in Medicine, and Alliance Physicians in Training.
1917
Woman's Auxiliary to the Dallas County Medical Society founded — the first permanent woman's county medical auxiliary in the nation. Mrs. John McReynolds elected first president; the group voted to support Red Cross work.
1918
Mrs. E.H. Cary of Dallas elected first president of the Texas Medical Association auxiliary, built on a three-fold motive of patriotism, philanthropy, and fellowship.
1922
Dr. E.H. Cary proposed a Woman's Auxiliary to the AMA. Approved — 23 women from 10 states elected Mrs. S.C. Red of Houston as first national president.
1927
Mrs. John McReynolds of Dallas elected president of the national auxiliary.
1930's
A $500 gift by Mrs. McReynolds, in memory of her mother, founded the Physician's Benevolent Fund — Medical Student Loan Fund.
1940's
Library Fund established; Southwestern Medical School founded; the Health Museum opened — only the second of its kind in the country.
1950's
Edith Cavell Nursing Scholarship and Future Nurse Clubs established. The Alliance co-organized the first Health Fair in Texas.
1960's
Programs of health education, health awareness, and philanthropy continue to grow.
1970's
Aldredge House becomes the Alliance's permanent home, dedicated in 1975. Recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3); renamed the Dallas County Medical Society Auxiliary.
1980's
Aldredge House cookbook published, and the House recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
1990's
Renamed the Dallas County Medical Society Alliance. Celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1992 and 80th in 1997.
2004
Renamed Dallas County Medical Society Alliance Foundation, with a mission to promote health education, preserve the Aldredge House, and support other 501(c)(3) organizations.
2005
Renamed Dallas A new 501(c)(6) organization, the Dallas County Medical Society Alliance, was established alongside the Foundation.County Medical Society Alliance Foundation, with a mission to promote health education, preserve the Aldredge House, and support other 501(c)(3) organizations.
2007
Celebrated its 90th birthday and launched E.C.H.O. — Encouraging Children to Healthy Options.
2010
Renewed the Community Health Fair at Church of the Incarnation, serving low-income families in the 75204 zip code.
2011-12
TMAA Award for Dedication to the Mission (2011), followed by the TMAA Award for Alliance of the Future (2012).
2014
Aldredge House wins the Preservation Dallas Achievement Award, recognizing outstanding historic preservation.
2015-16
AMAA Award for Social Media Excellence (2015). Recognized in 2016 with TMAA and Southern Medical Association Alliance awards for perseverance, membership growth, and preserving the Aldredge House.
2017
Centennial Milestone
100 Years of DCMSAF and the Aldredge House
Received a second Texas Historical Marker recognizing DCMSAF as the first medical auxiliary in the country, Preservation Dallas's Stewardship Award for its work saving the Aldredge House, and a TMAA award honoring 100 years of service as the first Alliance in the nation.
2018
Aldredge House designated a Historic House Museum and Meeting Place. Robert Gunby, MD installed as DCMSAF's first male president.
2019
The Scholarship Fund reached a $500,000 endowment milestone.
2020
Shifted to virtual meetings under CDC guidance; partnered with Bayles Elementary and DISD on immunizations. Added four new membership groups — Retired Physicians, Women in Medicine, Young Alliance, and Physicians in Training.
2021
Completed a full bylaws review and restructuring for both the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) entities, and launched a new website.
2025
Dallas Historical Society honored the Founders Garden Club for the restoration and historic preservation of the Aldredge House Museum Conservatory and Preservation Dallas recognized the Aldredge House Museum with the Spirit of Preservation Award. Texas Medical Association Alliance Community Outreach Award for impacting underserved communities with vast health initiatives and supporting nursing scholarships.
2026
Texas Medical Association Alliance Membership Award acknowledged for outstanding endeavors involving member enrichment programs, participation, and overall membership growth. Bylaws were updated including the curation of Board of Directors manuals involving organization structure, standing rules, general responsibilities of directors, policies and procedures, traditions, and written bylaws. Created a new website.