Thomas Evans Brittingham (1924-1986) biographical file

Collection

Identifier: EBL-0250

Staff Only

Abstract

This file includes a biography published by Dr. Alan L. Graber, several original photographs and negatives of Dr. Brittingham, as well as an invitation to the dedication of the Thomas E. Brittingham Learning Center, a program, brochure and a VHS recording of the event. The file also includes papers newspaper clippings, including several obituaries. Also included are interview notes made in 2002 by Vanderbilt medical student Andrew White. The file also includes information about the last patient presented by Dr. Brittingham at Vanderbilt, as well as other case histories prepared by Dr. Brittingham.

Dates

1963 - 1986

Notes about Access to this Collection

All collections are subject to applicable VUMC privacy and confidentiality policies.

Reproduction Rights

Copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Historical or Biographical Note

Dr. Brittingham came to Vanderbilt University from Washington University in 1963. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1950, where the dean wrote a nasty letter about how Dr. Bittingham did not have "what it takes". Dr. Bittingham's career proved that dean wrong. Dean John Chapman described Dr. Bittingham as a triple threat: an educator, a researcher, and a clinician. The file includes several anecdotes demonstrating that Dr. Bittingham is remembered as both a caring teacher and doctor, someone who genuinely cared about his patients. Other stories show that he disliked getting awards and was always very self-deprecating. Dr. Brittingham retired in 1980 from Vanderbilt and moved to Texas where he opened a private practice. He died in 1986 in Texas.