Published: Sunday, 5/25/2014 - Updated: 5 hours ago

BY VANESSA McCRAY BLADE STAFF WRITER

A half century ago, an idea took root in Toledo that would flourish into the medical and educational foundation of the city the Medical College of Ohio.

The colleges creation in 1964 marked a new era, though only those with vision could have grasped the possibilities and future impact.

Fifty years later, the potential recognized by the schools earliest champions is evident at the sprawling South Toledo campus. Buildings now stand where only cornstalks and plans once grew, and more than 4,000 applicants a year now seek a spot in a medical school class of 175 students.

This year marks the golden anniversary for the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo, which became the University of Toledo college of medicine and life sciences after a 2006 merger with UT.

University officials and medical college supporters will gather at an anniversary event Saturday to celebrate the legacy launched when Gov. James Rhodes signed legislation that formed the college.

For years before the medical schools creation on Dec. 18, 1964, Paul Block, Jr., co-publisher of The Blade, had advocated for the colleges creation. The upcoming celebration will pay tribute to the late Mr. Block, a research chemist whose support was credited by Governor Rhodes as a moving force behind the establishment of Toledos medical college.

Bringing a college of medicine and subsequently an academic medical center was a tremendously important landmark milestone and perhaps the most important thing that happened here, said Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, the former head of MCO who became the president of the University of Toledo when the two institutions merged.

Conversations about starting a local medical school intensified after an Aug. 17, 1960, article in The Blade describing a visit to Toledo by a Chicago hospital consultant, Dr. Charles Letourneau, who said Toledo should have a medical school. Supporters contended it would improve the quality of medical care and help fill a local physician shortage.

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Medical college reaches milestone