Early 20th Century Medical and Nursing Education in Cincinnati: Advancements Made in the Interest of Efficiency and Economy
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
This paper examines the strategies employed by Dr. Christian Holmes and Miss Laura Logan to advance the education of medicine and nursing, respectively, at the University of Cincinnati (UC) in the early 20th century. Holmes and Logan each secured the addition of a liberal studies education for both the medical and nursing students in the new UC Medical College with the use of the new city hospital as the students’ clinical laboratory. How the motivations driving their matching education agendas differed, yet aligned with the discussions in their broader professional communities will be discussed. Although the efforts of Holmes and Logan were not coordinated, they were co-dependent. How each conveniently utilized the advantage of the other will also be discussed. This study was carried out using social history research methodology. Primary sources used from the following archives, the Carl Blegen Library, Henry Winkler Center, and Wedbush Centre of the University of Cincinnati, and the Genealogy and Local History Department of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, include board of trustees’ minutes and supporting documents, speeches, annual reports, school announcements, and city charters. Secondary sources, including historical and contemporary professional journal and newspaper articles, and analytical books on the subject, validated, enhanced, and confirmed findings. Because of intentional relationships, information sharing, and publicity, stakeholders financially supported building a new city hospital and UC Medical College. Both Holmes and Logan utilized the political “interest of efficiency and economy” associated with the new structures to propel their education agendas, advance medical and nursing education, and thus, improve patient care in the hospital and community to promote the health of Cincinnatians. The parallel tactics of Holmes and Logan provides an early illustration of the potential influence a coordinated partnership between medicine and nursing could possess alongside stakeholders.
