Washington University School of Medicine Oral Histories

James M. Whittico Oral History

James M. Whittico Oral History

James M. Whittico

Interviewer

Edwin W. McCleskey, Ph.D.

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

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Notes

Access to this oral history transcript is restricted. Contact the archivists at Becker Library (arb@wusm.wustl.edu) for terms of access.

Disclaimer

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James M. Whittico Oral History
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