Oregon Health & Science University
Dates
- Usage: 2001-
- Usage: 1981-present
Biography
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) traces its origins to the late 19th century, beginning with the establishment of the University of Oregon Medical Department in 1887 in Portland. This development built on earlier medical education efforts in the region, including the Willamette University School of Medicine founded in 1867 and later moved to Portland. In 1913, the University of Oregon and Willamette University consolidated their medical programs, forming the University of Oregon Medical School. Four years later, in 1919, the school relocated to its long‑term home on Marquam Hill after receiving significant land donations from the Oregon‑Washington Railroad and Navigation Company and the family of C. S. “Sam” Jackson.
Throughout the 20th century, the institution expanded its academic and clinical functions. The campus grew to include facilities for dentistry, nursing, and public health, as well as important affiliated hospitals and research institutes. Key developments included the opening of Multnomah County Hospital on the Marquam Hill campus in 1923 and the consolidation of statewide health programs under the university’s oversight. This period also saw increased emphasis on biomedical research and the creation of specialized centers focused on pediatrics, rehabilitation, and advanced scientific study.
In 1974, the institution became an independent public entity known as the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center, bringing its various schools and clinical units under one administrative structure. It was renamed Oregon Health Sciences University in 1981, reflecting its expanding research and education missions. A major milestone came in 2001 when OHSU merged with the Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology, adopting its current name and further broadening its scientific and technological capabilities. Today, OHSU operates as a comprehensive public research university integrating health sciences education, clinical care, and biomedical research across multiple campuses in Oregon.
Found in 55 Collections and/or Records:
Educational Communications image collection
David Grandy papers
This collection consists of the research work of David K. Grandy, Ph.D. in the field of brain chemistry, with specific concentration on the neurotransmitter called dopamine.
Fred Harwin collection
Fred Harwin is an artist, medical illustrator, and ocularist. He is well-known for illustrating the breakthrough medical text Manual of Cardiac Surgery with Drs. Brad Harlan and Albert Starr. The vast majority of this collection consists of original illustrations by Harwin, including those from both the first and second editions of that manual.
Donald G. Kassebaum papers
Dr. Kassebaum was a trained cardiologist whose thirty-year career (1956-1986) went from Intern to Director of OHSU Hospital and Vice President of Hospital Affairs. A wide variety of material illustrates his varied career.
Daniel H. Labby historical image collection
Licenses, Degrees, and Certificates collection
This collection shows the wide variety of documentation of health professionals of the 19th and 20th centuries. It includes, but is not limited to, degree-granting medical institutions around the world. The individuals named likewise were not all affiliated with the University of Oregon or its various incarnations.
Don Lowe image collection
David Mahler papers
David B. Mahler, Ph.D. (3 February 1923 – 2 August 2017) was a dental biomaterials scientist who was internationally recognized as the preeminent expert in dental amalgam. His papers include records of achievements and recognitions, as well as letters attesting to his contributions and high regard.