Francis Clark Wood Institute for the History of Medicine. Office of the Director.

The Francis Clark Wood Institute for the History of Medicine was founded in 1976 to support research in the field of social medical history. The Institute has especially encouraged the study of contemporary issues in historical perspective.

The formation of an Institute for the History of Medicine at the College of Physicians was first proposed in 1966. In 1974, President John P. Hubbard called together a committee to address the issue. The initial goals of the Institute were to organize research materials, provide funding for visiting scholars, and publish the journal of the College, "Transactions and studies".

Initial funding for the Institute came from the National Library of Medicine; in 1977, an anonymous source donated $500,000 to the project. In 1977, Ronald F. Kotrc was selected as the first Director of the F. C. Wood Institute. Kotrc was responsible for all historic departments of the College, including the Historical Collections of the Library and the Mütter Museum. Kotrc served as Director for five years, until his resignation in 1982; in 1983, Diana E. Long was hired as Director. At this time, the duties of the Director were modified, and new positions were created. Long was responsible for the activities of the F. C. Wood Institute and the publication of "Transactions and studies", but the administration of the Historical Collections of the Library and the Mütter Museum no longer remained under Institute jurisdiction. As of 1991, the Francis Clark Wood Institute publishes "Transactions and studies", holds conferences and seminars, and sponsors visiting scholars through its Wood Fellows Program.

From the description of Records, 1879-1987 (span), 1977-1985 (bulk). (College of Physicians of Philadelphia). WorldCat record id: 122624698