Katharine R. Sturgis papers II

Collection

Identifier: MSS 445

Scope and Contents

The Katharine R. Sturgis papers II is a small collection which dates from 1953 to 1975, and adds to the materials found in the Katharine R. Sturgis papers (MSS 2/355). Recognition for Sturgis’ work, correspondence with colleagues, and photographs are included in this collection. Awards and certificates, dating from 1957 and 1970, represent Sturgis’ achievements in her work in public health and preventive medicine; institutions include the American Medical Association and Philadelphia’s Gimbel Award. The clippings, 1967 to 1971, come from a variety of sources, such as The Penn Stater, the American College of Preventive Medicine, and Harper’s Bazaar. Most of the correspondence found in this collection is dated between 1954 and 1956, and deals with various aspects of Sturgis’ professional life, including speaking engagements and editorial work. The letters are arranged by correspondent, as per the previous collection arrangement. The majority of photographs in the collection span the 1960s, and show Sturgis at work as well as at events.

Previously catalogued as 10c 123 and Z10c 32.

Dates

1953-1975; undated

Creator

Sturgis, Katharine R. (Katharine Rosenbaum) (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Katharine Rosenbaum Guest Boucot Sturgis was born in Philadelphia on 3 September 1903. She attended William Penn High School and began her pre-medical studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 1922. Her education was interrupted, however, by her marriage, the birth of two children, and a divorce. Later, Sturgis completed her undergraduate degree at Penn State University. She entered Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1935 but was forced to leave school when she contracted tuberculosis. After a year of recovery, she resumed her studies and earned her medical degree in 1940.

Sturgis began her medical career as an intern at the Woman's Medical College Hospital and later accepted a residency in pulmonary diseases at Herman Kiefer Hospital in Detroit. Sturgis then returned to Philadelphia to teach at the Woman's Medical College, but she remained interested in pulmonary disease and continued to conduct research in the early detection of lung cancer and tuberculosis. Later in life, she waged a vigorous campaign to inform the public of the hazards of smoking.

Katharine Sturgis's connection with the College of Physicians of Philadelphia began in 1951 when she was elected a Fellow. In 1972, after more than twenty years as a member, Sturgis became the College's first woman president. A year later she was forced to retire due to health problems.

Throughout her career, Sturgis received numerous honors. She was elected the first woman president of the Philadelphia County Medical Society in 1967 and became president of the American College of Preventive Medicine in 1969. She was the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Trudeau Medal, the Strittmatter Award, the Elizabeth Blackwell Award, and the Philadelphia Gimbel Award. Sturgis died in Philadelphia on 28 March 1987.

Extent

.4 Linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Katharine Rosenbaum Guest Boucot Sturgis was born in Philadelphia in 1903, and graduated from Woman’s Medical College of Philadelphia in 1940.

Katharine R. Sturgis's connection with the College of Physicians of Philadelphia began in 1951 when she was elected a Fellow. In 1972, after more than twenty years as a member, Sturgis became the College's first woman president. A year later, she was forced to retire due to health problems. Sturgis died in Philadelphia in 1987.

The Katharine R. Sturgis papers II is a small collection which dates from 1953 to 1975, and adds to the materials found in the Katharine R. Sturgis papers (MSS 2/355). Recognition for Sturgis’ work, correspondence with colleagues, and photographs are included in this collection.

Previously catalogued as 10c 123 and Z10c 32.