Washington University School of Medicine Oral Histories
A.N. Arneson, John E. Hobbs, and Melvin A. Roblee Oral History
Interviewer
Estelle Brodman, PhD
Summary
Axel N. Arneson, John E. Hobbs, and Melvin A. Roblee were interviewed by Estelle Broadman on May 24, 1976 for approximately 87 minutes.
Scope and Content
The three physicians discuss their experiences as students at the Washington University School of Medicine in the 1920s, changes in medical practice and education during the 20th century, and changes in the study and practice of obstetrics and gynecology. Arneson, Hobbs, and Roblee also relate stories about Barnes Hospital, St. Louis Maternity Hospital, surgeons Evarts A. Graham and Ernest Sachs, physiologist Joseph Erlanger, and obstetricians Henry Schwarz and Otto Henry Schwarz.
Biographical Information: Interviewee
Axel N. Arneson received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in 1928 then completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Barnes Hospital. Arneson became a world-renowned pioneer in the use of radium and external radiation in the treatment of cancer of the cervix and uterine body. He also served as a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and of therapeutic radiology at Washington University School of Medicine.
John E. Hobbs graduated from the Washington University School of Medicine in 1927 and later served as clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University.
Melvin A. Roblee graduated from the Washington University School of Medicine in 1925 and afterward served as clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology.
Biographical Information: Interviewer
Estelle Brodman, PhD (1914-2007) served as an Assistant librarian for reference service at the National Library of Medicine, 1949-1961. She became the Library Director and Professor of Medical History at Washington University School of Medicine in 1961, and served in these positions until her retirement in 1981. Brodman served as the Editor of the Bulletin of the Medical Library Association from 1947-1957, and as President of the Medical Library Association, 1964-1965.
Interview Date
1976-05-24
Collection Identifier
OH026
Length
Approximately 1 hour and 27 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
A.N. Arneson, John E. Hobbs, and Melvin A. Roblee Oral History, OH026, 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.
