This article demonstrates the use of historical research to improve present allied health practice. The relationship between social values and the emergence of occupational therapy during the progressive era (1890-1920) is explored. This energetic period of history provided an opportunity for physicians to assume social, moral, and scientific leadership in a society that longed for expert solutions to complex social problems. At the turn of the century, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medical social work, and speech therapy all expanded the influence of the physician's expertise. Occupational therapy was originally developed to care for chronically impaired individuals. The relationship established between the physician and the therapist over 75 years ago still influences the status of both professions today.