title: [Centuries-old community involvement of South African physicians].
abstract: Involvement in community affairs is an honoured tradition among South African medical practitioners. The so-called old doctor belonged to an era when dedication to the arts, botany, zoology and nature in general was often combined with the practice of medicine. They were colourful individuals and their names are worth remembering in this eventful year.
mesh_terms: D003153:Community Health Services / Q000266:history*; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D010819:Physician's Role; D012380:Role; D013019:South Africa
vernacular_title: Eeue-oue gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid van Suid-Afrikaanse geneeshere.