This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Warmack, Bundy, Lanouette, Baker, Ellington, Perry, Houston Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/HiB.2ACI/2784.1 Message Board Post: I am going to preface this email with these thoughts and concerns concerning time, especially a genealogist's time when they are 'HOT' on the trail of finding information; which way is the quickest and fastest but more efficient way to get information: For those you have knowledge that are doctors and the state in which they practiced their medicine, Every state within the Union has a state medical library and one who knows everything about what's in that library, which keeps track of ALL those past doctors who practice within the state, even when the state was considered a US Territory, would be held within the professional area of the 'medical librarian' at the state level. Within this library this 'medical librarian' maintains biographies of the doctors who have practiced their speciality since the medical profession entered into the terriory of that state and that state of the Union you are wanting to find more specific genealogical information than you have already. This information also gives information as to when your doctor ancestor has practiced within their state, which you can ask for with no fear of the freedom of information act because this library is one of the state medical library's purposes, to keep the ! public informed. This is information that not many people know about because too many of us don't have any reason to ask the correct question to get the right answer for, such information as this. The person to which you need to address your inquiry can be obtained from any hospital adminstrator within any state you choose to ask this question of and this gate keeper will know exactly what and who you want. And it's like the old adage, it's who you know, not what you know, that gets you the information you desire and hospitals have a 'system' within which they operate...and by asking directly for the state medical librarian, you will be given immediately the correct and right information. By going to any hospital within the state that you know your ancestor practiced medicine, you can ask for this information: Be sure also to ask for (1) the website if they have one and (2) most important the name of the Medical Libraian and (3) for his/her direct email address to the State Medical Library. The reason for this direct manner is because 'this would be the final destination' to which any of those who do the referral for you, which can and would bee gained through any state recognized hospital. If you know the medical college your ancestor attended, you could go to their Medical Archives which would have go directly to this medical librarian as your contact so as to find this correct personnel to do this research for you. therefore, why not see if you can be directed directly to the individual who will be doing it for YOU, correct? Those with whom you will be communicating will also appreciate your knowledge of 'their' system and will give you this information g! ladly. You will be RICHLY rewarded with genealogical information you don't already have and why not gain a further insight into your man and information he himself placed within his own records. This same information can be held for anyone who has practiced law in any state of the Union, and is also open to the public for information. Every local area, countywise usually will have this information and interestingly enough, one has to go to the state level (Attoney General of the state you are interested in) and ask for it as to where would this local library be located. - So for both cases, when looking for your doctor ancestor and lawyer ancestor, when you contact at the level the particular level that can give you their librarian who holds these files DON'T FORGET TO get the Librarian's name from the individual you will be speaking. It's a compliment to that person to whom you are communicating that you want to know this information, because they will think you are familiar with 'their' system, you will know who will be addressing your questions and adds more of a personal touch since you will be communicating with one specific individual with all that important information that you want. All of this accomplished, worlds of information and systems within a system are made known to you and obtaining your information will have become easier and faster in the long-run which is what one wants when finding out genealogical information!! Rhonda Warmack Houston ([email protected])