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University of Oregon Medical School establishment papers

 Collection
Identifier: 2005-009

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of the original petition of local physicians for creation of a medical school in Portland (1887); additional rules and regulations (1899); undated printed material on requirements and expenses; and correspondence on the role of residents at Multnomah Hospital (1927).

Dates

  • Creation: 1887-1927

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open to the public.

Conditions Governing Use

OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.

Historical note

Medical school instruction began in Portland in 1887 in a state of confusion with competition between medical departments of state universities as well as third party contenders. The unification of the medical schools of Willamette University and the University of Oregon in 1913 began a slow but steady expansion from downtown Portland to Marquam Hill, thanks to a land donation by the Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Company. The exigencies of World War I brought with it unprecedented demands on staff and students for war-time service at home and abroad. This led not only to the creation of Base Hospital 46 for service in France, but also the creation of a Medical Reserve for the Army Medical Corps and of a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program as a permanent part of the institution. Despite post-war economic retrenchments in budgets, construction programs continued apace, and periodical reorganizations achieved ever greater levels of sophistication.

Extent

0.10 Linear Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Petition and correspondence regarding the establishment of a medical school in Portland, Oregon.

Custodial History

The materials were collected by Harry J. Sears, Ph.D. and donated by his son, David A. Sears, M.D., Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. David Sears graduated in 1959 from the University of Oregon Medical School. The papers were found among old mementos of Harry J. Sears, Ph.D., father of the donor. Harry Sears was the head of Bacteriology at the University of Oregon Medical School from 1918-1956. They were sent to the President’s Office and were received by Peter O. Kohler, President of Oregon Health & Science University on March 23, 2005. They were then sent to the Historical Collections & Archives via Lesley Hallick, Vice Provost of the School of Medicine.

Related Archival Materials

Harry J.Sears biographical file; historical image file; 1999-001 Willamette University Medical Department Records; 2006-011 Harry J. Sears Glass Lantern Slide Collection.

Title
Guide to the University of Oregon Medical School establishment papers
Status
Completed
Author
Karen Lea Peterson, Jeff Colby
Date
2005
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road
MC: LIB
Portland OR 97239 United States