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Washington University School of Medicine Oral Histories
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James M. Whittico Oral History
Interviewer
Edwin W. McCleskey, Ph.D.
Files
Summary
James M. Whittico was interviewed by Edwin W. McCleskey on July 25, 1990, for approximately 90 minutes.
Biographical Information: Interviewee
James M. Whittico, Jr. (1916-2018) was the first African-American physician to serve on the St. Louis Board of Health and Hospitals as well as Missouri's first African American to become a military hospital chief surgeon in active combat during World War II. He served as commanding officer and chief surgeon of the 93rd Infantry Division hospital and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He received several military awards, including the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Combat Service Ribbon.
He received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, and completed a surgical residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, followed by a surgical fellowship at Washington University. Whittico saw patients in his private practice for 65 years, until he retired at age 99.
In addition, his position at St. Louis University, Whittico was a clinical instructor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine and served six St. Louis hospitals as chief of staff or chief of surgery.
Biographical Information: Interviewer
Edwin W. McCleskey, Ph.D. was an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at Washington University School of Medicine from 1986 to 1993. His research addressed the biophysical properties of calcium-selective ion channels and the discovery of ion channels that trigger different types of pain. He also taught physiology and neuroscience.
Interview Date
1990-07-25
Collection Identifier
OH112 (PC054-S14)
Length
Approximately 90 minutes.
Restrictions
Users wishing to publish (in whole, or in part) content taken from the audio or transcript of this oral history interview must request, sign, and return a Statement of Use form to the Becker Archives. For detailed information regarding publication and use of this oral history, contact the Becker Archives (arb@wusm.wustl.edu).
Recommended Citation
James M. Whittico Oral History, OH112 (PC054-S14), Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives, Washington University in St. Louis.
Disclaimer
The Becker Archives provides access to this oral history interview as a record of the past. This interview reflects the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of the interview participants, which may reflect outdated, biased, and offensive views and opinions. The Becker Archives does not endorse the views expressed in this interview, which may contain materials offensive to some users.
![James M. Whittico Oral History](https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/oralhistories/1013/thumbnail.jpg)
Notes
Access to this oral history transcript is restricted. Contact the archivists at Becker Library (arb@wusm.wustl.edu) for terms of access.