Olin West

Dates
- 1898 - 1922
Creator
- West, Olin (Person)
Notes about Access to this Collection
All collections are subject to applicable VUMC privacy and confidentiality policies. Collection specific restrictions: No Restrictions.
Reproduction Rights
Copyright is retained by Eskind Biomedical Library Special Collections.
Historical or Biographical Note
Dr. Olin West was a public health expert on smallpox and a primary figure in early development of the Tennessee State Department of Health. Born at Gadsden, Alabama on July 12, 1874, his preliminary education was received at Howard College in Alabama. He received his M.D. from Vanderbilt University Medical Department in 1898. In 1910, after twelve years of practice in Nashville and fifteen years as a member of the faculty of Vanderbilt University, first as instructor and later as assistant professor and associate professor in chemistry, Dr. West became director for the Rockefeller Sanitary Commission and International Health Board in Tennessee where he led the effort against hookworm infection. He served as Secretary and Chief Executive for the Tennessee Board of Health from 1918-1922. Then Dr. West served as Secretary of the A.M.A. from 1922-1946, and later was elected to the office of President-elect of the A.M.A. in 1946. Poor health prevented his nomination and election to the office of President. He died in Nashville, June 20, 1952.
Language of Materials
English
Acquisition Information
Acquired on Unknown Date
Abstract
Personal papers of Vanderbilt alumnus and epidemiologist Olin West, a primary figure in the development of the Tennessee State Department of Public Health. The collection contains manuscripts on public health and one photograph.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
Personal papers of Vanderbilt alumnus and epidemiologist Olin West, a primary figure in the development of the Tennessee State Department of Public Health. The collection contains manuscripts on public health and one photograph. Majority of material is from 1915-1922
Processing History
processed on Unknown Date
Repository Details
Part of the Eskind Biomedical Library Manuscripts Collection Repository
Eskind Biomedical Library
2209 Garland Ave.
Nashville TN 37232
historyofmedicine@vanderbilt.edu