Call Number:

025

Repository:

Drexel University: College of Medicine Legacy Center

Extent:

70 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1960-2015 (bulk)

Creator:

Ruth Tumen Wilf, Dr.

Abstract:

The collection documents the extensive career and contributions of Ruth Wilf, a midwife and parent education advocate based in Philadelphia, from the 1950s to 2015. The collection reflects her professional activities, personal life, and the broader context of midwifery and healthcare education. The papers provide a comprehensive overview of Wilf's work in the midwifery field, her dedication to patient care, education, and her active participation in the professional and parent education community.

Dr. Ruth Tumen Wilf, born in 1932, is a midwife based in Philadelphia who has dedicated her life to advancing maternal health. A Wellesley College graduate (Class of 1952), Wilf's journey into midwifery began with the birth of her first child in 1953. Embracing natural childbirth, she taught childbirth education and actively participated in national organizations. Wilf earned her nurse-midwifery degree from SUNY Downstate and practiced, taught, and advocated for the midwifery model of care.

The Ruth Wilf papers document the extensive career and contributions of Ruth Wilf, a midwife and parent education advocate based in Philadelphia, from the 1950s to 2015. The collection is organized into thirteen series, encompassing a wide range of materials that reflect her professional activities, personal life, and the broader context of midwifery and healthcare education. The series are as follows:

1. Organizations, 1950-2010 : This series includes records from various organizations with which Ruth Wilf was affiliated, reflecting her active involvement in professional and advocacy groups within the field of midwifery. It is comprised of twenty-seven subseries, arranged chronologically to reflect Dr. wilf's career.

2. Correspondence, 1960-2010: Comprising letters and printed emails, this series documents Wilf's communication with colleagues, students, patients, and other professionals. It offers insights into her professional relationships and the development of midwifery practices.

3. Notes [Restricted], 1974-2011: This series contains restricted notes spanning nearly four decades, including sensitive or confidential information pertinent to Wilf's medical practice and teaching.

4. Patient Education Materials, 1960-2010: This series features a variety of educational resources created or utilized by Wilf for the purpose of patient education, highlighting her commitment to informed patient care.

5. Patient Notes [Restricted], 1975-2000: Restricted patient notes are included in this series, documenting interactions and care provided to patients over 25 years.

6. Personal Papers, 1925-2012: This series encompasses personal documents, including biographical materials, personal correspondence, and items that provide a broader context to Wilf's personal life, such as her hobbies and family.

7. Photographs [Restricted], 1960-1999: Restricted photographs in this series capture visual aspects of Wilf's professional and personal life, documenting events, individuals, and moments significant to her career.

8. Planners, 1960-2010: A collection of planners spanning five decades, this series offers a detailed look at Wilf's scheduling, appointments, and day-to-day activities, reflecting her professional and personal life.

9. Publications, 1950-2015: This series includes a wide range of published materials collected by Wilf, showcasing her engagement with contemporary publications in her field.

10. Speeches and Writings, 1970-2012: Drafts, notes, and final versions of speeches and writings by Wilf are compiled in this series. Includes a variety of formats, from professional talks given at conferences to papers composed for school assignments.

11. Subjects, 1967-2010: This series contains materials organized by subject, providing insights into the various topics Wilf researched, taught, and was passionate about throughout her career.

12. Teaching Materials, 1967-2010: Educational resources, syllabi, lecture notes, and other teaching materials are included in this series, reflecting Wilf's extensive work in midwifery education. Documents in this series could not be readily assigned to an organization in Series 1.

13. Audio Visual Materials, 1965-1990: This series features audio and visual recordings related to Wilf's practice and teachings.

Overall, the Ruth Wilf Papers provide a comprehensive overview of Wilf's work in the midwifery field, her dedication to patient care, education, and her active participation in the professional and parent education community.

The restricted materials within the collection ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information, while the broad range of documents offers valuable insights into the evolution of midwifery practice and education over several decades.