OSU Medical Heritage Center Scholar-in-Residence Announcement

The Medical Heritage Center at the Health Sciences Library, The Ohio State University is seeking applicants for its scholar-in-residence program for a flexible time period between September 1, 2017 and August 30, 2018.

The Medical Heritage Center was made possible by a grant from the Columbus Medical Association Foundation (CMAF) and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. These organizations saw the need to preserve and celebrate the region’s medical heritage. Since its opening in 1997, the Center has stood as a testament to a unique collaboration between the CMAF and the OSU Wexner Medical Center.

The Center’s holdings include rare books, archives and artifacts. The rare books collection contains over 20,000 volumes, representing limited edition and one-of-a kind monographs dating back to 1555. The archives include the papers and memorabilia from regional and nationally recognized luminaries as well as local health sciences organizations. The artifacts represent health sciences equipment used as early as the 1800s. The scholar will also have access to the rich holdings of The Ohio State University and regional libraries. More information about the Center and its collections can be found at: go.osu.edu/mhc

Suitable potential scholars can come from a variety of backgrounds (i.e. students, clinician historians, PhD historians) and each application will be reviewed based upon the quality of the application and proposed use of historical collections. Preference will be given to scholars whose research is directed toward local or regional medical historic issues. Use of the in-house archival and rare book collections is suggested but not limited to the collections of the Medical Heritage Center. The intent to publish in nationally-known presses and peer-reviewed journals is highly essential. Scholars will be expected to provide a mid-point and final report discussing the progress and result of the residency project. At least one presentation and publication is expected from a successful scholar residency.

The scholar-in-residence program provides a stipend up to $2,500 to support the activities of the scholar. This funding is provided by the Columbus Medical Association Foundation endowment for the Medical Heritage Center and can cover but is not limited to equipment, travel, support staff, publication costs. Scholars also receive office space, basic office equipment, and extensive access to the collections of the Medical Heritage Center.  All funds must be spent in the year awarded.

An application package should be submitted for consideration by June 30, 2017, and a successful applicant will be decided upon by the Medical Heritage Center advisory committee by August 1, 2017. The application package should include 1.) a cover letter stating the scholar’s intended area of research and publication and how the research fits into the goals of the scholar-in-residence program. Please note use of MHC collections where applicable. 2.) CV; 3.) proposed budget and timeline; and 4.) at least two (2) recommendation letters. The packet should be sent to: Judith Wiener, Head Curator, Medical Heritage Center, 376 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 or emailed to judith.wiener@osumc.edu