Russian-American Medical Society records, 1924-1965
Collection context
- Creator:
- Jedwabnik, David, 1889-1972
- Extent:
- 4 Linear Feet (8 document boxes; 1 card file box; 1 oversize folder)
- Language:
- English , Polish , Russian .
- Scope and content:
-
Correspondence, lists, photographs, reports, printed ephemera, and audio and video tapes which reflected the activities of Russian-American Medical Society of New York.
- Biographical / historical:
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The Russian Medical Society, an association of Russian physicians living and practicing in and around New York City, was organized on February 24th , 1924, and incorporated under New York law on February 5th, 1925. After World War II, the society was renamed the Russian- American Medical Society, existing as such until the early 1970s.
The mission of the society was to protect the legal rights of Russian physicians in the United States and give assistance to destitute, disabled, or aged Russian physicians or their families in the U.S. and abroad. The organization also helped newly arrived Russian physicians pass their medical licensing examinations and find employment. The funds of the society were accumulated through membership dues, donations, and fund raising.
For many years, Dr. David F. Jedwabnik (1889-1972) served as President of the Russian- American Medical Society after moving with his family from Vilna to New York. Dr. Jedwabnik received his medical degree from the University of Berlin in 1913 and worked in Russian Red Cross hospitals during World War I. In his native Vilna, a part of Poland at that time, Dr. Jedwabnik was Director of the Hospital for Chest Diseases from 1925 until his flight from the Nazis in 1939, as well as President of the Jewish Kunst Society. Additionally, Dr. Jedwabnik was the head of the local branch of OSE, an international organization providing health services to Jewish children, later serving as vice-chairman of the American Commission of OSE. Alongside his private practice in New York, Dr. Jedwabnik served on the board of the Russian-American Medical Society quickly following his arrival in the United States.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
- Terms of access:
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Single reproductions may be made for research purposes. It is the responsibility of the user to secure permission for publication or use from the appropriate copyright holder.
- Preferred citation:
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Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Russian-American Medical Society Records; Box and Folder; Bakhmeteff Archive, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu