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Gene-Ann Polk papers and Susan Smith McKinney Steward Medical Society records

Notifications

Held at: Drexel University: College of Medicine Legacy Center [Contact Us]2900 West Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Drexel University: College of Medicine Legacy Center. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

Call Number:
2006.010
Repository:
Drexel University: College of Medicine Legacy Center
Extent:
5.8 linear feet
Language:
English
Date:
1946 - 2004 (inclusive) and 1960 - 1990 (bulk)
Abstract:
Gene-Ann Polk was a physician, hospital administrator, professor of pediatrics at Columbia University, and president of the Susan Smith McKinney Steward Medical Society. She was involved with various organizations for Black women physicians in and around New York. The materials in this collection are related to Dr. Polk's education, her private practice, and her years at Harlem Hospital. The collection also includes materials Polk collected related to Black women physicians, and the records of the Susan Smith McKinney Steward Medical Society (SSMS).

Gene-Ann Polk (1926-2015), earned her BA from Oberlin College in 1948 and her M.D. from the Women's Medical College in Pennsylvania in 1952. Between 1953 and 1994, Dr. Polk worked at Harlem Hospital in NYC, which became affiliated with Columbia University in 1962. Dr. Polk earned an M.A., in Public Health from Columbia University in 1968. While at Harlem Hospital, Dr. Polk was the director of pediatric ambulatory care, pioneered research for the treatment of neonatal drug addiction, and established a neonatal transfusion program. Materials in this collection are related to Gene-Ann Polk's school days at WMCP, her private practice, and her years at Harlem Hospital. The collection also includes materials related to the Coalition of 100 Black Women Role Model Program, Black women physicians in the tri-state area which Polk collected, and the records of the Susan Smith McKinney Steward Medical Society (SSMS). Susan Smith McKinney Steward was the third Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, and the first in New York State. The Susan Smith McKinney Medical Society was established in 1976 and continues to support Black women physicians in the greater New York area. SSMS was founded by Dr. Muriel Petioni, a physician and community activist, with the support of Gene-Ann Polk.

The Gene-Ann Polk papers and Susan Smith McKinney Steward Society records hold materials from 1946 to 2006 with a bulk of the materials from 1960 to 1990. This collection contains papers, photographs, event flyers, invitations, books, address books, a vhs tape and commemorative objects.The collection includes Dr. Polk's medical bag which contains supplies such as tools, medication, and instructional material (inventory available upon request). Medical Economics, Volume 37 from October 1960 was removed from the collection due to preservation concerns. This collection has been arranged into the following three series; the records are organized conceptually and chronologically.

Series 1: Gene-Ann Polk papers - This series is divided into three subseries. The materials range from 1946-2006. Subseries A: Professional papers - This subseries holds the professional work of Gene Ann-Polk including her time as a student at both Oberlin College and WMCP, Harlem Hospital, time as an educator and all other professional endeavors. This subseries is arranged alphabetically. Extent: 1.25 linear feet Arrangement: Alphabetically

Subseries B: Black Women Physicians - This subseries contains clippings, publications and books Gene-Ann Polk collected about the stories and successes of other Black Women Physicians. This subseries is arranged alphabetically. Extent: 1.65 linear feet Arrangement: Alphabetically

Subseries C: Medical Supplies and Mementos - This series holds mementos such as Columbia's Bicentennial Medallion 1967, an electrocardio guide and Gene-Ann Polk's medical bag (inventory by request). This subseries is arranged conceptually. Extent: 1.25 linear feet Arrangement: Conceptually

Series 2: Susan Smith McKinney Steward Medical Society (SSMS) - This series holds the bylaws, recruitment strategies, meeting notes, correspondence, and directories of the Susan Smith McKinney Steward Medical Society from between 1977 and 1993. The series includes books written about and by SSMS members. The materials range from 1952-2003. This series is organized chronologically. Extent: 1.65 linear feet Arrangement: Chronologically

Series 3: Organization Files - This series contains materials related to the following organizations, hospitals, and initiatives: Harlem Hospital, Bergan County Medical Society, Committee of Black Health Professionals, Coalition of 100 Women, Project Headstart, the Spellman mentorship program. The materials range from The organizations are organized alphabetically Extent: 1.25 linear feet Arrangement: Alphabetically

Subject

Publisher
Drexel University: College of Medicine Legacy Center
Finding Aid Author
Caitlin Abadir-Mullally

Collection Inventory

Physical Description

3.75 linear feet

Physical Description

1.25 linear feet

Bills and Receipts, 1966-1967.
Box 1 Folder 1
Bills and Receipts, 1966-1967.
Box 1 Folder 2
Financial Planning, 1981.
Box 1 Folder 3
Gene Ann Polk Appointment Book, 1959.
Box 1 Folder 4
Gene Ann Polk Notebook, 1954.
Box 1 Folder 5
Gene Ann Polk Professional Documents.
Box 1 Folder 6
Gene Ann Polk Resume, 1988.
Box 1 Folder 7
Gene-Ann Polk Correspondence, 1962-2002.
Box 1 Folder 8
Gene-Ann Polk Correspondence.
Box 1 Folder 9
Gene-Ann Polk, MD, 1957-1968.
Box 1 Folder 10
Jackson Site Visit, 1991.
Box 1 Folder 11
Just-A-Mere Literary Club, 1981.
Box 1 Folder 12
Oberlin College, 1946-1948.
Box 2 Folder 1
Oberlin College, 1946-1948.
Box 2 Folder 2
Pediatrics, 1977-1982.
Box 2 Folder 3
Polk Columbia University, 1967.
Box 2 Folder 4
Polk Reprints, 1957.
Box 2 Folder 5
Speeches, 1966.
Box 2 Folder 6
Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, 1952.
Box 2 Folder 7
Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania (Binder) 1/2, 1948-1952.
Box 2 Folder 8
Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania (Binder) 2/2, 1948-1952.
Box 2 Folder 9
WMCP Dermatology, 1950-1952.
Box 2 Folder 10
WMCP Diseases of Bones and Joints , 1950-1951.
Box 3 Folder 1
WMCP Diseases of the Lung , 1950-1951.
Box 3 Folder 2
WMCP Gynecology, 1950-1951.
Box 3 Folder 3
WMCP Hematology, 1950-1951.
Box 3 Folder 4
WMCP Kidney Diseases, 1951.
Box 3 Folder 5
WMCP Medicine, 1950.
Box 3 Folder 6
WMCP Obstectrics, 1950-1954.
Box 3 Folder 7
WMCP Surgery, 1950-1951.
Box 3 Folder 8
Physical Description

2.5 linear feet

Black Female MDs, 1967-2005.
Box 4 Folder 1
Black Women in Medicine, 1980-2006.
Box 4 Folder 2
DELETE.
Dr Juanita R. Howard of Baruch College.
Box 4 Folder 3
Funeral/ Memorials, 1986-2002.
Box 4 Folder 4
Harlem Magazine, 1984.
Box 4 Folder 5
Health Watch, 1989-1993.
Box 4 Folder 6
Medical Articles.
Box 4 Folder 7
Medical Publications.
Box 4 Folder 8
Newspapers, 1960.
Box 4 Folder 9
Poetry, 1981.
Box 4 Folder 10
Press, 1978-2001.
Box 4 Folder 11
Press.
Box 4 Folder 12
Press, Publications, Mail.
Box 4 Folder 13
Publications.
Box 4 Folder 14
Women Achievers Calendar, 1994.
Box 4 Folder 15
Yvonne Thorton - Gynecologist, 1997.
Box 4 Folder 16
11 African American Doctors by Robert C. Hayden (Book), 1970.
Box 5 Item 1
Ambiguous Lives: Free Women of Color in Rural Georgia, 1789-1879 (Book), 1992.
Box 5 Item 2
Balm in Gilead: Journey of a Healer by Sara Lawrence Lightfoot (Book), 1988.
Box 5 Item 3
Edith: The Story of Edith Irby Jones, M.D. by Lydia E.Brew (Book), 1986.
Box 5 Item 4
Medicine, Motherhood and Mercy: The Story of a Black Woman Doctor (Book), 1979.
Box 5 Item 5
Nine Black American Doctors by Robert C. Haden and Jacqueline Harris (Book), 1976.
Box 5 Item 6
The Best Kind of Loving by Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant (Book), 1995.
Box 5 Item 7
The Ditchdigger's Daughters by Yvonne S. Thornton (Book), 1995.
Box 5 Item 8
The House That Love Built by Dr. Lorraine Hale (Book), 1991.
Box 5 Item 9
The Psychology of Obesity: Dynamics and Treatment editted by Norman Kiell (Book), 1973.
Box 5 Item 10
Videocassette: "Good Morning America -- Woman to Woman", n.d.
Box 5 Item 11
Woman to Woman Yvonne S. Thornton, M.D., M.P.H. with Jo Coudert (Book), 1997.
Box 5 Item 12
Black Women Achievements Against the Odds Calendar, 1981-1983.
Box 5 Item 13
Physical Description

1.25 linear feet

Columbia Bicentennial Medallion, 1967.
Box 6 Item 1
Formula Computer and Feeding Schedules.
Box 6 Item 2
Magnifying Glass.
Box 6 Item 3
The Electrocardio Guide.
Box 6 Item 4
Medical Bag, 1960-1970.
Box 6 Item 5

Physical Description

1.65 linear feet

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Publications, 1959-1971.
Box 7 Folder 1
Collections Newsletter, 1992.
Box 7 Folder 2
Events, 1995-1999.
Box 7 Folder 3
Medical College of Pennsylvania - Archivist, 1980-1998.
Box 7 Folder 4
May Edward Chinn Manuscript, 1985.
Box 7 Folder 5
Memorials and Funeral Programs, 1986.
Box 7 Folder 6
Muriel Petioni Correspondence, 1977-1980.
Box 7 Folder 7
Photos, 1972-1984.
Box 7 Folder 8
Photos, 1993-1999.
Box 7 Folder 9
Press / Newspaper, 1981-1990.
Box 7 Folder 10
Press/ Articles, 1986-1987.
Box 7 Folder 11
Publications, 1977-1987.
Box 7 Folder 12
Scrapbook, 1962-1997.
Box 7 Folder 13
DELETE.
SSMS, 1977-1985.
Box 8 Folder 1
SSMS, 1978.
Box 8 Folder 2
SSMS, 1979.
Box 8 Folder 3
SSMS, 1979-2003.
Box 8 Folder 4
SSMS, 1980.
Box 8 Folder 5
SSMS, 1980-1984.
Box 8 Folder 6
SSMS, 1981.
Box 8 Folder 7
SSMS, 1982.
Box 8 Folder 8
SSMS, 1982-1986.
Box 8 Folder 9
SSMS, 1983.
Box 8 Folder 10
SSMS, 1983-1985.
Box 8 Folder 11
SSMS, 1983-1988.
Box 8 Folder 12
SSMS, 1983-2002.
Box 8 Folder 13
SSMS, 1984.
Box 8 Folder 14
SSMS, 1985.
Box 8 Folder 15
SSMS, 1985-1986.
Box 8 Folder 16
SSMS, 1985-1987.
Box 9 Folder 1
SSMS, 1986.
Box 9 Folder 2
SSMS, 1987.
Box 9 Folder 3
SSMS, 1988.
Box 9 Folder 4
SSMS, 1988-1990.
Box 9 Folder 5
SSMS, 1988-1998.
Box 9 Folder 6
SSMS, 1989.
Box 9 Folder 7
SSMS, 1994.
Box 9 Folder 8
SSMS AIDS, 1988.
Box 10 Folder 1
SSMS AIDS and the Black Family Conference, 1988.
Box 10 Folder 2
SSMS AIDS and the Black Family Press, 1988.
Box 10 Folder 3
SSMS Black Female Physicians - Misc, 1989.
Box 10 Folder 4
DELETE.
SSMS Constitution & By-laws, 1983.
Box 10 Folder 5
SSMS Directories, 1987-1993.
Box 10 Folder 6
DELETE.
SSMS Dr. Muriel Petioni, 1984.
Box 10 Folder 7
SSMS Events.
Box 10 Folder 8
SSMS Press + Duplicates, 1987-1990.
Box 10 Folder 9
SSMS Survival of the Black Child, 1979.
Box 10 Folder 10
May Chinn The Best Medicine by Ellen R. Butts & Joyce R. Schwartz, Illustrated by Janet Hamlin (Book), 1995.
Box 10 Item 1
Balm in Gilead: Journey of a Healer by Sara Lawrence Lightfoot (Book), 1988.
Box 10 Item 2
Pens and Rulers, 1981.
Box 6 Item 6
Cassette Tapes, 1981.
Box 6 Item 7

Physical Description

1.25 linear feet

American Academy of Pediatrics, 1966-1967.
Box 11 Folder 1
American Academy of Pediatrics, 1960-1966.
Box 11 Folder 2
American Medical Women's Association (AMWA).
Box 11 Folder 3
Aperçu 20th Anniversary Exhibition, 1988.
Box 11 Folder 4
Barristers' Wives of New York.
Box 11 Folder 5
Bergan County Medical Society, 1966-1967.
Box 11 Folder 6
Bergan County Medical Society Pamphlets, 1967.
Box 11 Folder 7
Brooklyn Historical Society, 1989.
Box 11 Folder 8
Bureau of Child Services.
Box 11 Folder 9
Camp Woodland, 1955.
Box 11 Folder 10
Coalition of 100 Black Women, 1980-1985.
Box 11 Folder 11
Coalition of 100 Black Women, 1982-1984.
Box 11 Folder 12
Coalition of 100 Black Women, 1985.
Box 11 Folder 13
Coalition of 100 Black Women: Role Model Program, 1983-1987.
Box 11 Folder 14
Coalition of 100 Black Women: Role Model Program, 1984.
Box 11 Folder 15
Coalition of 100 Black Women Role Model Program, 1984-1987.
Box 11 Folder 16
Committee of Black Health Professionals.
Box 12 Folder 1
Directory of Black Physicians NYC, 1981.
Box 12 Folder 2
Englewood Hospital, 1965.
Box 12 Folder 3
Englewood Hospital, 1966.
Box 12 Folder 4
Girl Scouts of Bergen County.
Box 12 Folder 5
Harlem Hospital, 1982-1989.
Box 12 Folder 6
Harlem Hospital Center: 100th Anniversary Luncheon Publication (1887-1987), 1987.
Box 12 Folder 7
Harlem Hospital Pediatric Services, 1966.
Box 12 Folder 8
Harlem Hospital Pediatric Unit Statistics, 1966.
Box 12 Folder 9
Harlem Hospital Premature Center, 1957.
Box 12 Folder 10
Harlem Hospital Statistics, 1966.
Box 12 Folder 11
Myra Smith Kearse + Kearse Scholarship, 1970-1976.
Box 12 Folder 12
National Medical Association, 1984-1985.
Box 12 Folder 13
National Medical Association Directory.
Box 12 Folder 14
New Jersey Blue Shield (Blue Cross), 1961.
Box 12 Folder 15
Project Headstart, 1965-1966.
Box 12 Folder 16
Public Health, 1965-1967.
Box 13 Folder 1
Public Health Traineeship Program.
Box 13 Folder 2
School Reports, 1957-1966.
Box 13 Folder 3
Souvenir Journal Provident Clinical Society, 1985.
Box 13 Folder 4
Survival of the Black Family in the 80s, 1980.
Box 13 Folder 5
Tuberculin Testing Committee, 1962.
Box 13 Folder 6
Union County Anti-Poverty Council, 1970.
Box 13 Folder 7
United Clubs of Negro Women of Bergen County, 1966-1967.
Box 13 Folder 8
Women in Medicine - NWA Directory, 1981.
Box 13 Folder 9
Women in Medicine - NWA Directory, 1986.
Box 13 Folder 10

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