Scope and Contents
This collection contains correspondence, subject files, and written works by and about Dr. Samuel Proger. A large portion of this collection comprises Dr. Proger’s notes from various research endeavors, including his published works, such as The Medicated Society, and unpublished works. Also included in this collection are correspondence to and from Dr. Proger and physicians, as well as an award for his achievements at the New England Medical Center. A wealth of research regarding primary medical care is also included in the Correspondence series. Articles published in medical journals and speeches given at medical conferences, as well as some of his other research notes, are documented in the General files series. Administrative reports are included in the Work files series. The physical collection documentation folder of this collection includes copies of Dave Nathan’s original finding aids as well as copies of the original acquisition records.
This collection suffered extensive water damage due to a flood before it was in the custody of DCA. It underwent conservation efforts before processing, but several materials, particularly folders, scrapbooks, and bound volumes, are still warped or retain a musty odor. In addition, almost of the material is in fragile condition, and must be handled carefully.
Consult the Photographs and audiovisual materials series of the New England Medical Center records (MS099.001) for images of Dr. Proger. In addition, the Pratt Clinic/New England Center records (MS222) contain material by Dr. Proger, as he worked closely with Dr. Pratt in expanding the hospital.
Dates
- 1930 -- 1990
Creator
Language of Materials
Access
Conditions Governing Use
Arrangement
Extent
5.3 Linear Feet
Biographical / Historical
Samuel Proger., M.D. was born on January 21, 1906. He received his MD in 1929 from Emory University, the same year he married Evelyn Levinson. Following graduation he moved to Massachusetts to work with Joseph H. Pratt at the Boston Dispensary (BD) for a year’s residency. He also completed fellowships at University of Heidelberg and Tufts College School of Medicine, where he worked in cardiology.
In addition to his physician duties and research, Dr. Proger played a critical role in the development of the New England Medical Center (NEMC). NEMC was established in 1930 as an overseer to individual medical institutions in Boston, including the BD, the Boston Floating Hospital for Infants and Children (BFH), and the Pratt Clinic/New England Center Hospital (PC/NECH). Under Proger’s guidance and tireless efforts, these institutions -- which, under NEMC, retained their own management structures, -- were integrated into a unified medical unit that partnered with the Tufts University School of Medicine.
After completing his fellowship at the School of Medicine, he was appointed Physician-In-Chief of the BD’s diagnostic ward, a 20-bed unit established in 1931. The Great Depression left the BD financially strained, so Dr. Proger, along with Dr. Pratt, facilitated the opening of the Joseph Pratt Diagnostic Hospital in 1938, a 100-bed diagnostic facility. Unlike a general hospital, the diagnostic hospital took on a more holistic approach. Dr. Proger recruited international doctors and faculty for the PC, as well as soliciting financial gifts via the Bingham program. This not only helped expand the PC, but also further develop a regional medical program in the United States. Though the BD, BFH, and Tufts College School of Medicine had signed an agreement to be run under the auspices of NEMC, the opening of the Pratt Clinic in 1938 was the catalyst for not only the integration of these institutions and their partnership with Tufts University, but also the approach to primary medical care in the United States.
This practice was augmented by the Bingham Associates Fund of Maine, of which Proger was one of its leaders. The Fund's goal was to modernize medical care in the state of Maine using the resources at NEMC and the Tufts College School of Medicine. Under Proger’s leadership, the BAF provided medical scholarships, supported continuing education, and funded diagnostic referral services. Dr. Proger also promoted the development of research and clinical laboratory programs.
In addition to his administrative accomplishments at NEMC, Dr. Proger was appointed chair of the Department of Medicine. He held these dual positions from 1948 until his retirement in 1971. He also made contributions to cardiology research. He pointed out the dangers of obesity in relationship to heart disease, and the relationship between blood fats, blood coagulation and effects on hardening of the arteries. These accomplishments were recognized with his appointments as president of the Massachusetts Heart Association and New England Cardiovascular Society.
Courtesy of his financial prowess and strong relationship with his patients, he was able to cultivate financial gifts which established the Ziskind Research Building, the Farnsworth Surgical Wing, the Biewend Building, and the Tupper Building, all facilities on the New England Medical Center campus. During his tenure, he also served in various capacities on the Board of Governors and Board of Trustees.
He was known not only for his recruitment of academics and clinicians, but also for being a role model to students for his high regard for ethics and patient relationships. His numerous contributions to administration, teaching, and patient care were honored with the opening of the Proger Health Services Building. Dr. Proger died in 1984.
Custodial History
This collection was originally part of the archives of the New England Medical Center (NEMC), which closed in 1990. The collection was processed by Dave Nathan, archivist at the NEMC archives, in June 1989, and had the following NEMC acquisition numbers: 84-23, 84-26, 84-37, 85-33, 86-43, 87-18, 87-20, 87-21, 87-29, 89-1, 89-2.
In spring 2013, NEMC material was transferred from NEMC to a restoration company for conservation treatment, and was then transferred to off-site storage in custody of Digital Collections and Archives (DCA). In December 2014 and January 2015, the material was transferred to DCA for processing. Some material originally in the NEMC archives was not transferred to DCA, due to either poor condition or loss.
Processing Information
This collection was previously processed by Dave Nathan. On transfer to DCA, received order was maintained at the series level. Collection and series description written by Dave Nathan was updated. Not all material listed in Dave Nathan's Guide to the NEMC Archives was transferred to DCA. According to Dave Nathan's Guide to the NEMC Archives, some items from certain series are missing. Such items have been noted at the series level.
Accession MS-2020-024, was added to the collection by Collections Management Archivist Adrienne Pruitt in Fall 2019. Folder level information was created and the finding aid was updated at the time of accession.
Processing status
- Boston Dispensary Subject Source: Local sources
- Cardiology Subject Source: Local sources
- Faculty papers Subject Source: Local sources
- Hospitals--Medical staff Subject Source: Local sources
- Medical care Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Medical history Subject Source: Local sources
- Medicine -- History Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- New England Medical Center Subject Source: Local sources
- New England Medical Center Hospital Subject Source: Local sources
- Pratt Diagnostic Clinic Subject Source: Local sources
- Pratt, Joseph H. (Joseph Hersey), 1872-1956 Subject Source: Local sources
- Primary care (Medicine) Subject Source: Local sources
- Primary health care Subject Source: Local sources
- Proger, Samuel, 1906-1984 Subject Source: Local sources
- Tufts College. Medical School Subject Source: Local sources
- Tufts Medical Center Subject Source: Local sources
- Tufts University. School of Medicine Subject Source: Local sources
- Tufts-New England Medical Center Subject Source: Local sources
- University history Subject Source: Local sources
Repository Details
Part of the Tufts Archival Research Center Repository
35 Professors Row
Tisch Library Building
Tufts University
Medford Massachusetts 02155 United States
617-627-3737
archives@tufts.edu