Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine- Oral History Collection
Oral history is a method of historical research combining history's oldest technique, the collection of eyewitness accounts with modern audio and videotape technology. By recording interviews with selected individuals, oral history serves to collect and preserve historical information while it is still available. This is especially important for preserving the otherwise perishable information that exists only in the memories of individuals. In order for such information to be useful to others, it first must be recorded, transcribed into printed form and made easily accessible.
The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine Oral History collection was established in the Fall of 1980 as part of TCOM's 10th year anniversary celebration. The Oral History Collection is one of the Health Science Library's Special Collections
C. Ray Stokes, 1989
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Adams, Robert, D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Dr. Robert Adams began as a faculty member for TCOM in September of 1984 and held the position of Associate Professor and Chairman for the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He relates the history of the OB-GYN department and the future of the health science center.
Interviewed by Blake Haley, March 25, 1994
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Ankele, Felix
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Felix Ankele was an active member of the Fort Worth community. Mr. Ankele was a member of the Executive Committee of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and also a member for the Endowment Board of the Health Care of Texas.
Interviewed by Blake Hailey, February 22, 1994
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Baum, Elmer C., D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
An Austin, Texas general practitioner since the mid-forties, Dr. Baum was responsible in part for TCOM’s success in receiving financial aid from the State of Texas. His political influence, as private physician to Governor Preston Smith, proved especially beneficial during the early years, 1966 to 1975.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, October 5, 1989.
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Blackwell, Deborah, D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Dr. Blackwell, a graduate of TCOM, joined as a faculty member for the department of Pediatrics in 1989. She eventually became Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs and discusses her work with OMCT and the school.
Interviewed by Blake Hailey, March 31, 1994
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Brownell, Blaine, Ph.D
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
UNT Provost, Dr. Brownell, discusses his background, his take on the collaboration between North Texas and TCOM and TCOM's transition into the Health Science Center.
Interviewed by Blake Hailey, February 28, 1994
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Buchanan, Sam, D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Dr. Buchanan, a member of TCOM's 2nd graduating class, served as Chairman of the Surgery Department. He shares highlights from his school days and his hopes for the surgery department.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, October 21, 1992
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Burnett, John H., D.O. and Burnett, Mary M., D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
The Burnett’s are a husband and wife team of Dallas general practitioners. A past president of the American Osteopathic Association and the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association, John was a member of TCOM’s initial board of directors and served on its executive committee as chairman of house and grounds. Mary also has been active in the profession, having served as president of the American College of General Practitioners in Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, August 31, 1989.
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Carlton, Catherine K., D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Dr. Carlton, daughter of osteopathic physician parents, was the first chairman of the TCOM Department of osteopathic principles, practices, and philosophy. She has practiced in the same Fort Worth location since 1938 as a general practitioner. Dr. Carlton, a past president of the Academy of Applied Osteopathy, shares her experience during the initial years of TCOM.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, February 23, 1989.
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Clearfield, Michael, D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Dr. Clearfield, Chairman of the Department of Medicine, began at TCOM in 1979. He discusses his long career with TCOM, his research and his thoughts on the school's future.
Interviewed by Blake Hailey, February 22, 1994
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Coffelt, Kenneth M.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Mr. Coffelt established the biomedical communications department in 1974 and served as its director until 1986. From 1976 to 1986, he served as assistant to the president, performing the duties of equal employment officer, safety officer, and construction coordinator for the three major buildings constructed on the TCOM campus. Mr. Coffelt served as assistant vice-president for administrative affairs from 1986 until his retirement in 1992.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, July 18, 1989.
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Cohen, Benjamin L., D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Dr. Cohen, Executive Dean and Vice President of Heath Administration, discusses the school's progress and plans for the future.
Interviewed by Blake Hailey, December 20, 1993
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Coy, Marion E., D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
The founding president of TCOM, Dr. Coy came to TCOM in March 1972 as dean and chief administrative officer. He graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1938 and then served as a general practitioner in Jackson, Tenn., for the next 33 years. A past president of the American Osteopathic Association, Dr. Coy headed the college until it became a state-supported institution in September 1975. From 1975 until his retirement in 1983, he served as professor of osteopathic philosophy, principles, and practice.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, Spring and Summer 1981.
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Cunniff, Nelda, D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
After her career as an R.N., Dr. Cunniff entered TCOM as the only female student in its first graduating class (1974). She describes her 10 years of semi-rural general practice in Burleson, Texas. Dr. Cunniff serves on the board of the TCOM Foundation and is active in the TCOM Alumni Association.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, November 5, 1985.
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Doane, Dorotha R.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Employed as Property Manager since 1977, Ms. Doane has witnessed the physical and fiscal growth of TCOM as reflected in the increasingly complex inventory control operations.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, May 8, 1991
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Ellis, Virginia, D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
“Dr. Virginia” shares her memoirs, which include her involvement in the first Admissions Committee student selections, her progression of committee responsibility and the creation of a Baby Clinic for Fort Worth’s underprivileged children. She discusses TCOM’s contributions to the community, the health care provided by the Mobile Clinic she developed in 1973-74, and the services provided to Fort Worth’s Rehabilitation Farm in 1973-76. She presents a vivid reflection of TCOM’s current contributions to the Fort Worth community’s health resources and services.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, February 2-3, 1981.
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Everett, Carl E., D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
A co-founder of TCOM, secretary-treasurer of the Board of Directors from 1966 to 1975, member of the TCOM President’s Council and honorary member of the TCOM Alumni Association, Dr. Everett gives a personal reflection of the trials and tribulations encountered during the college’s infant days. He shares his moment of satisfaction at the first graduation ceremonies when all the effort proved worthwhile.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, September 22, 1981.
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Ferguson, Mike Jr.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
In August, 1986, Mr. Ferguson became the Vice President for Fiscal and Administrative Affairs (TCOM). He recounts his part in the transition to a Health Science Center.
Interviewed by Blake Hailey, February 24, 1994
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Ferré, Gus, Ph.D.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
The former vice president of academic affairs at North Texas State University, Dr. Ferré served as the first vice president for medical affairs at TCOM after its affiliation with NTSU in 1975.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, July 2, 1985.
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Fisher, Roy B., D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Founder of Fort Worth Osteopathic Hospital, the first osteopathic hospital in Fort Worth, Dr. Fisher was a strong contributor to the early financial and physical growth of TCOM. As chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fort Worth Osteopathic Medical Center, he shares his memories of the profession’s dramatic growth from the 1940s to the present day.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, November 24,1982.
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Gaugl, John F., PhD.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Dr. Gaugl chaired the department of Physiology from 1971 to 1981 and participated in the very first curriculum committee (1971).
Interviewed by Blake Hailey, March 8, 1994
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Gracy, Robert, PhD.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Dr. Gracy, Associate Dean of Basic Sciences and Research, recounts the process of bringing TCOM and North Texas together.
Interviewed by Blake Hailey, January 26, 1994
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Grainger, H. George, D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
A member of the TCOM Board of Directors from 1969 until 1975, Dr. Grainger describes his career from1929 until the present, including serving as a general practitioner in Tyler, Texas, for more than 50 years.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, February 24, 1984.
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Harakal, John H., D.O.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
A professor and former chairman of the manipulative medicine department, Dr. Harakal is a strong advocate of cranial osteopathy. Dr. Harakal is a contributing editor to several osteopathic publications and is currently co-writing an osteopathic textbook.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, August 8, 1990
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Hardt, Henry B., Ph.D.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
The first dean and chief administrator of TCOM, Dr. Hardt provided TCOM with vital administrative and academic leadership from 1969 until the graduation of the first class in 1974. He shares his memoirs of a long and distinguished career in science and education as a professor of chemistry at Texas Christian University and president of the Texas State Board of Examiners in the Basic Sciences. Dr. Hardt discusses the highlights of his experiences in contributing to the success of Texas’ only osteopathic medical college.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, October 2, 1980
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Harris, Elizabeth, Ph.D.
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
The first faculty member to be employed by TCOM, Dr. Harris was associate professor and for many years chairman of the microbiology and immunology department. She shares her teaching experiences at the college from its beginnings on the fifth floor of the Fort Worth Osteopathic Hospital on October 1, 1970, to the present state-of-the-art facilities provided in Medical Education Building 2.
Interviewed by C. Ray Stokes, November 19 and December 17, 1980