Collections

Dr. W. Allen Addison, MD, is the Walter L. Thomas Professor Emeritus at the Duke University School of Medicine and a past president of the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons. This collection contains 1 oral history interview conducted in two parts on September 18 and September 19, 2018 by Joseph O'Connell. Throughout the interviews, Winifred Allen Addison and Sally Bender Addison discuss Dr. Addison's medical career from his upbringing in Toccoa, Georgia, through his ultimate position at Duke as Walter L. Thomas Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The topics span Addison's personal life and relationships; his areas of medical specialization; and his experience of Duke University and Duke Medical Center as an institution.

Dr. Deanna Wilson Adkins is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Duke. She is Pediatric Endocrinologist, Diabetes and Metabolism Specialist, and director and founder of Duke Child and Adolescent Gender Care Clinic. This collection contains 1 oral history interview conducted on February 12, 2024 by Caroline Overton as part of the Bass Connections Agents of Change Oral History Project. In the interview, Adkins discusses her childhood and family, her pathway into endocrinology, how she became involved in gender-affirming care, her interdisciplinary approach to gender-affirming care, her legal advocacy work, and her advocacy to ensure the Duke Hospital system is welcoming to LGBTQ+ patients. The themes of this interview include medical care for LGBTQ+, trans rights, and the relationship between medicine and advocacy.

Contains the professional papers of Sam A. Agnello (1917-1982), coordinator of medical television and director of the Division of Audiovisual Education at Duke University Medical Center. Types of materials include correspondence, agendas, reports, proposals, outlines, newspaper clippings, budget materials, notes, programs, reprints, committee materials, and photographic materials. Major subjects include Duke University School of Medicine, audiovisual aids, and medical education. Major correspondents include Joseph E. Markee, William G. Anlyan, and Wilburt C. Davison. Materials date from 1961 to 1976.

Sezer Aksel was the second female to graduate from the residency program in Duke's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She became the professor and director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of South Alabama in 1981. This collection contains 1 oral history interview conducted on September 13, 2007 by Jessica Roseberry as part of the Women in Duke Medicine Oral History Exhibit. In this interview, Aksel discusses her experiences as a woman within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke and establishing the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of South Alabama.

Contains the personal and professional papers of Onyekwere E. Akwari (1942-2019), the first African-American surgeon on the faculty of Duke University. Types of materials include correspondence, pamphlets, programs, financial information, calendars, datebooks, identification cards, passports and visas, applications, memorabilia, printed materials, a yearbook, certificates, building plans, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, U-Matic video cassettes, 16mm film reels, certificates, notes, meeting minutes and agendas, funeral programs and obituaries, photographs, newspaper clippings, publications, reprints, textiles, artifacts, scrapbooks, binders, transcripts, and electronic records pertaining to Akwari's personal and professional interests and activities. Major subjects include the Society of Black American Surgeons (SBAS) and St. Titus Episcopal Church (Durham, N.C.). Materials date from 1914 to 2021.

Irving E. Alexander (1922-2007) was a clinical psychologist and professor in Duke University's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience for 45 years. He served as department chair, taught and counseled undergraduates, trained clinicians, treated patients, served on Duke's Academic Council, was a consulting psychologist at the Durham VA Hospital and in the Halifax County (North Carolina.) school system, and was a consultant to programs for gifted children including the Presidential Scholars program. Types of materials include reading lists, notes, lectures, outlines, clippings, articles, slides, photographs, negatives, programs, correspondence, dream journals, agendas, schedules, membership lists, speeches, meeting minutes, and grant proposals. Materials range in date from 1940 to 2006.

Dr. Nancy Bates Allen, MD, is professor emeritus, Duke University School of Medical, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology. While at Duke, she served in numerous leadership roles and pushing for change around issues of gender equity and diversity and inclusion. She served as a member of the first and subsequent committees for women faculty and as Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity and Faculty Development. Allen retired in 2020. This collection contains 2 oral history interviews conducted on November 10, 2006 by Jessica Roseberry and June 1, 2020 by Joseph O'Connell as part of the Department of Medicine's Oral History Project. In the November 10, 2006 interview, Allen discusses women's issues in the medical field, including her own experiences as a female staff member in the Duke University Medical Center Department of Medicine's Division of Rheumatology; Dr. Joseph Greenfield; and Dr. Nannerl O. Keohane. In the June 1, 2020 interview, Allen discusses Allen discusses her early life, interest in medicine, medical education, her career, and her experiences preparing for retirement during the Spring 2020 emergence of COVID-19.

Tasha Allen, RN, has a passion for primary prevention and education. She is currently a public health nurse and case manager for high-risk pregnancies with the Durham County Department of Public Health (DCDoPH). Allen has worked in collaboration with Duke midwives in a clinical setting since 2004. In 2004, Allen was one of the first DCDoPH nurses to facilitate Centering Pregnancy groups with Duke Midwifery Service at Lincoln Community Health Center, continuing in this role until 2010. This collection contains 1 oral history interview conducted on November 18, 2022 by Josephine McRobbie as part of the Duke Midwifery Service and Durham Maternal Health Oral History Project, which was funded by The Josiah Charles Trent Memorial Foundation Endowment Fund. In the interview, Allen discusses the Centering Pregnancy modality, public health nursing, and the challenges of providing care to under-resourced communities. The themes of this interview include prenatal care, health education, and health disparities.

The Alpha Omega Alpha, Alpha (AOA) Chapter Records documents the activities, administration, and membership of the Alpha chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha at Duke University, installed locally in 1932. AOA is an honorary medical society. Duke members have included faculty, house staff and students. The collection contains AOA administrative records, lists of member names, correspondence, and event information. Types of materials include brochures, correspondence, and lists. Major subjects include Duke University School of Medicine and medical students. Materials range in date from 1960 to 1989.

Contains a scrapbook made by Frederick Vernon Altvater, superintendent of Duke Hospital from 1933 to 1946. The scrapbook contains news clippings, photographs, greeting cards from friends of the Alvater family. Materials also include loose articles, clippings, correspondence, and photographs. Materials date from circa 1924 to 1975.

Dennis Bernard Amos (1923-2003) was professor of immunology and experimental surgery at Duke University from 1962 to 1992. This collection contains photographs, writings, an address, an autobiographical sketch, lab notebooks and patient logs for skin graft work. Materials relating to skin graft research are restricted. Major subjects include the Department of Immunology and Duke University Medical Center. Materials range in date from 1955 to 1991.

Contains the teaching films of W. Banks Anderson Sr. (1897-1977), professor of ophthalmology and first ophthalmologist at Duke University Medical Center. Materials include 16mm teaching films and their accompanying notes. Materials date from the 1950s to the 1960s.

Nancy C. Andrews, MD, PhD, became dean of the Duke University School of Medicine and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in October 2007. She has received numerous awards and prizes for research and mentoring. Her laboratory research centers on iron homestasis and mouse models of human diseases. The bulk of this collection contains laboratory notebooks, as well as 5 external hard drives with digital files from the external backup drives of Jackie Lim, Wenjing Xu, and Pavle Matak, researchers in Andrews' lab. The materials in this collection date from 1998 to 2016.

Nancy C. Andrews, MD, PhD is the former vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of the Duke University School of Medicine (2007-2017). After stepping down as dean she became the Nanaline H. Duke Professor of Pediatrics and a professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology. Andrews received her MD-PhD degree, through a joint program at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This collection contains 2 oral history interviews: November 30, 2010 and January 8 and 10, 2019. Andrews discusses her childhood, early interest in science, educational background, her administrative roles at Harvard and Duke, and her research. Themes within her interviews include women in science and medicine, advances in the science of iron diseases, and the lived experience of doing laboratory science.

William George Anlyan (1925-2016) came to Duke University School of Medicine for his residency in general and thoracic surgery (1949-1955). Afterwards, he joined the surgical staff led by Dr. Deryl Hart, becoming a full professor of surgery in 1961, and, from 1964 to 1969, was the third dean of the School of Medicine. Anlyan also served as vice president for health affairs (1969-1983) and chancellor for health affairs (1983-1989). From 1988 to 1993, Anlyan was the executive vice president and cencellor for health affairs before becoming chancellor of Duke University (1990-1995). This collection contains 9 oral history interviews conducted in 1978, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2004, and 2007. Interviews in the 1990s were conducted by Dr. James Gifford. Interviews conducted in the 2000s were conducted by Jessica Roseberry.

Contains papers and records pertaining to the professional career and administration of Duke University Medical Center under William George Anlyan (1925-2016). Anlyan came to Duke University School of Medicine for his residency in general and thoracic surgery (1949-1955). Afterwards, he joined the surgical staff led by Dr. Deryl Hart, becoming a full professor of surgery in 1961, and, from 1964 to 1969, was the third dean of the School of Medicine. Anlyan also served as vice president for health affairs (1969-1983) and chancellor for health affairs (1983-1989). From 1988 to 1993, Anlyan was the executive vice president and chancellor for health affairs before becoming chancellor of Duke University (1990-1995). Types of materials include subject files, chronological files, reports, budgets, plans, correspondence, memoranda, clippings, and photographs. Major correspondents include Wilburt Cornell Davison, Douglas M. Knight, E. Croft Long, Charles Frenzel, Joseph E. Markee, Barnes Woodhall, Terry Sanford, Philip Handler, Ruby Wilson, and Henry Rauch. Major subjects include hospital administration, health policy, construction financing, development, financial management, medical education, nursing education, community-institutional relations, parking facilities, and transportation. Major projects and leadership work include the Civitan Project, Private Sector Conference, The Duke Endowment, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Private Diagnostic Clinics, Duke University School of Medicine, Medical Center Board of Visitors, Highland Hospital (Asheville, North Carolina), National Library of Medicine, Association of American Medical Colleges, Veterans Administration, Watts Hospital (Durham, North Carolina), North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham, North Carolina), Sea Level Hospital (Sealevel, North Carolina) and merchant marine care, Durham Health Partners and City of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, North Carolina Medical Care Commission, and Whitehead Medical Research Institute. The materials in this collection date from 1930 to 2015.

Contains the professional papers of Jay Morris Arena (1909-1996), professor of pediatrics and community health and director of the Duke Poison Control Center. Types of materials include correspondence, reports, minutes, reprints, newsletters, clippings, programs, certificates, photographs, biographical materials, and manuscript materials. Major correspondents include Wilburt Cornell Davison, Atala Davison, Talmage Peele, Thomas Thweatt Jones and members of the Duke Children's Classic advisory group. Major subjects include Duke University Hospital, pediatrics, accidental poisoning in children, poisoning prevention and safety measures, poisoning case studies, treatment of poisoning, poison control centers, American Academy of Pediatrics, Duke Poison Control Center, and pediatrics in China. Materials range in date from 1931 to 1995.

Ralph Arnold (1910-1960) was a professor of otology and an associate professor of otolaryngology and ophthalmology at the Duke University Medical Center in the 1940s and 1950s. He also served as part of the 65th General Hospital during World War II. The collection consists photographs, correspondence, records pertaining to the patent Arnold received for silicone treated cotton, medical records from Arnold's time in the army, and medical equipment, at least some of which was used for the 65th General Hospital. Materials date from 1942 to 2013.

Contains the professional papers of Bessie Baker (1874-1942), first dean of the Duke University School of Nursing. Types of materials include correspondence, writings, and course materials. Major subjects include Duke Hospital, Duke University School of Nursing, nursing education, and nursing students. Materials range in date from 1930 to 1941.

Lenox D. Baker graduated as part of Duke University School of Medicine's first graduating class in 1932. He came back to Duke in 1937 and became the chief of the Division of Orthopaedics, a position he held until 1967. He helped establish the North Carolina Cerebral Palsy Hospital and served as its medical director until 1972. Baker was also a founding member and later president of the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association. This collection contains personal, professional, and administrative materials in connection with Baker. Materials include correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, articles, and meeting and society records. Major subjects include his work as chief of Duke University's Division of Orthopaedics at Duke University, as well as his role in various clinics and his work at the Cerebral Palsy Hospital. Other subjects include politics and elections, including Baker's support for various candidates, the North Carolina Employ the Physically Handicapped Commission, and professional societies such as the North Carolina Orthopaedic Society, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the American Orthopaedic Association. Materials range in date from 1930 to 1979.

Contains the professional and personal papers of Roger Denio Baker (1902-1994), an original faculty member at the Duke University School of Medicine and professor of pathology. Types of materials include journals, diaries, day planners, manuscripts, drafts, reprints, correspondence, photographs, notes, bound volumes, lab notebooks, brochures, clippings, certificates, correspondence, newsletters, sketches, and programs pertaining to Baker's education, teaching, and research. Materials date from 1912 to 1993.

Dr. Alejandro Barbagelata is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine and Cardiology at Duke University and a member of the Duke University Cooperative Cardiovascular Society (DUCCS) Board of Directors. This collection contains 1 oral history interview conducted on March 26, 2007 by Jessica Roseberry. Barbagelata discusses the Duke Cardiovascular Databank and subsequent variations at Favaloro Clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Dr. John Alexander Bartlett is Professor of Medicine, Global Health and Nursing at Duke University Medical Center and Professor of Medicine at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. He is the Co-Director of the Duke University Center for AIDS Research, a Senior Fellow within the Duke University Health Inequalities Program, and co-chairs the Duke University Africa Initiative. Bartlett's research focuses on the treatment and complications of HIV infection, and has been the recipient of numerous US National Institutes of Health research grants. This collection contains 4 oral history interviews: 1 interview on October 29, 2009, 2 interviews on July 24, 2020, and 1 interview on January 29, 2024. The October 29, 2009 interview was conducted by Tullia Rushton and Diana Xie, as part of the Writing Class 20 Interview. In this interview, Bartlett discusses his decision to pursue medicine, his views on the ethics and frustrations of the field, and his work with HIV/AIDS. The July 24, 2020 interviews were conducted by Joseph O'Connell, as part of the Department of Medicine's Oral History Project. In the interviews, Bartlett discusses his work with patients with HIV/AIDS at Duke, his efforts in creating and sustaining international partnerships in HIV/AIDS research and treatment, and his thoughts on a social justice ethos in healthcare. The January 29, 2024 interview was conducted by Anthony Zhao, as part of the Bass Connections Agents of Change Oral History Project. In this interview, Bartlett explores the early years of the first public HIV/AIDS clinic at Duke; experiences with stigmatization in the community; and the clinical trials for AZT, the first available treatment for HIV/AIDS. The themes of this interview include community activism, health education, and patient-centered care.

Patricia Bartlett, a clinical social worker, worked with HIV/AIDS patients in Durham, North Carolina, in the early 1980s at Durham County Regional Hospital (now Duke Regional Hospital). In 1988, she began working with Dr. John A. Bartlett's clinic on the Reynolds grant, which aimed to produce research comparing healthcare costs between home care and hospital care for dying AIDS patients. Her fearlessness and general familiarity with governmental bureaucracy became a lifeline for the AIDS patients at Duke. This collection contains 1 oral history interview conducted on January 29, 2024 by Anthony Zhao as part of the Bass Connections Agents of Change Oral History Project. In the interview, Bartlett discusses her care for a friend with AIDS in the early 1980s; her activism for patients not only at Duke, but also Durham County General Hospital; the negative reputation of John Bartlett's HIV/AIDS clinic at Duke; the extensive resistance she met from community organizations; and memorable experiences with patients at Duke. The themes of this interview include stigmatization and discrimination, community activism, health education, and patient advocacy.

Contains the professional papers of Joseph W. Beard (1906-1983), virologist at the Duke University School of Medicine, and Dorothy Waters Beard (1909-1984), his research partner and wife. Types of materials include correspondence, writings, memorabilia, contracts, certificates, plaques, photographs, a drawing, a photograph album, and a eulogy. Major subjects include Duke University Medical Center, cancer research, virus diseases, leukemia, avian leukosis viruses, oncogenic viruses, and virus disease. Materials range in date from 1920 to 1994.

Contains the professional papers of R. Frederick Becker (1912-2007), professor of anatomy at Duke University Medical School. Types of materials include personal and professional correspondence, reprints, clippings, minutes, programs, brochures, manuals, reports, notes, writings by Becker and his students, speeches, certificates, personnel materials, academic records, course materials, financial statements, grant applications, expenditure reports, and lab notebooks belonging to Becker. Materials date from 1940 to 1969.

Albert Behnke, a physician and captain in the United States Navy; pioneered the development of body composition assessment through the study of elite athletes; member of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Collection contains correspondence, reports, committee materials, text of speeches and lectures, presentation notes, manuscript materials, research files, reprints, and grant files. Major subjects include diving, decompression, diving physiology, and body composition. Materials range in date from 1906 to 1997.

James Leonard "Pete" Bennett, Jr., graduated from Duke University in 1956. He worked as an administrator at Duke University Medical Center for 30 years, becoming director of administration in the Office of the Chancellor.

Melvin Berlin was the first medical team physician for the Duke athletic program.

Frederick Bernheim and Mary ("Molly") Bernheim were original faculty members at Duke University School of Medicine.

Contains the professional papers of Robert Martin Biddle (1913-2000), medical student and resident at Duke Medical School and Hospital from 1935 to 1943. Types of materials include printed materials and clinical notes from Biddle's time at Duke and Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Materials date from 1924 to 1941.

Sue Ellen Clevenger Biswell attended Duke University School of Nursing from 1955 to 1958. Types of materials in this collection include uniform clothing and textiles, student tools, and a procedural booklet from her time at Duke. Features a complete uniform for Duke nursing students, as well as objects employed by these students during their studies. Materials range in date from circa 1955 to 1959.

Contains audiotapes and a transcript of an oral history interview of MaryAnn E. Black, associate vice president for Community Affairs for the Duke University Health System.

Contains the professional papers of Robert (Bob) L. Blake, Coordinator of the Department of Medical Illustration in the Duke University School of Medicine. Types of materials include pen and ink drawings, pencil sketches, watercolors, illustrations of various sizes, plates, programs, clippings, pamphlets, brochures, cards, photographic materials, and commercially published works. Major subjects include Duke University School of Medicine, Civilian Public Service Unit No. 61, conscientious objectors during World War II, and medical illustration. Materials range in date from 1940 to 1988.

Alfred Blalock (1899-1964), surgeon-in-chief of the John Hopkins Hospital, professor, and director of the surgery department at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (1941-1964), was one of two physicians who developed the "blue baby" operation and treatments for surgical shock. Collection contains correspondence, memorabilia, photographs, scrapbooks, tributes, committee materials, biographical materials, and reprints. Major subjects include Johns Hopkins Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, medical education, tetralogy of fallot surgery (blue baby syndrome), and surgery. Materials date from 1899 to 1985.

Dr. Daniel (Dan) G. Blazer, MD, J.P. Gibbons Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and a former Dean of Medical Education at the Duke University School of Medicine, is a psychiatrist who came to Duke in 1976. This collection contains correspondence, notes, reference records, committee notes, budgets, article reprints, and electronic files belonging Blazer. Materials range in date from 1984 to 2004.

Dr. Daniel (Dan) G. Blazer, MD, J.P. Gibbons Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and a former Dean of Medical Education at the Duke University School of Medicine, is a psychiatrist who came to Duke in 1976. This collection contains 2 oral history interviews conducted on March 31, 1995 by Dr. James Gifford and January 28, 2005 by Jessica Roseberry. In the March 31, 1995 interview, which is included in the Dr. David Sabiston Oral History Project, Blazer discusses his career, thoughts on medical education, and his specific views on the teaching of surgery at Duke. In the January 28, 2005 interview, Blazer discusses his experiences in the Duke University School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry.