Oral history is a method for documenting history in a vivid way by recording the voices of those who have experienced it. 

Beginning in 2004, Drs. Joan S. Ash and Dean F. Sittig chose and interviewed seventeen medical informatics pioneers to capture their memories.

In 2013, NLM acquired the transcripts from the first 15 interviews and began work to make them publicly available, including recruiting and placing photographs to enliven the written words.

We are pleased to begin to make these conversations available to you.

Click on the names to download the published oral histories.

Medical Informatics Pioneers, published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014-2017.

Introduction
Abstract Article
Joan S. Ash, PhD, MLS, MBA and Dean F. Sittig, PhD
Publication dates: 4/14/2015; Updated 9/4/15
 

G. Octo Barnett, MD
Abstract Article
Interview date: 10/29/2004
Publication dates: 4/24/2015; Updated 9/4/15
 

Morris F. Collen, MD
Abstract Article
Interview date: 8/1/2005
Publication dates: 9/30/2014; Updated 9/4/15
 

Don E. Detmer, MD
Abstract Article
Interview date: 1/21/2006
Publication dates: 6/30/2015; Updated 9/4/15
 

Donald A.B. Lindberg, MD
Abstract Article
Interview dates: 6/1/2005 and 7/13/2005
Publication dates: 3/26/2015; Updated 9/4/15
 

Nina W. Matheson, ML, DSc
Abstract Article
Interview date: 7/14/2005
Publication dates: 6/30/2015; Updated 9/4/15
 

Clem McDonald, MD
Abstract Article
Interview date: August26-27, 2004
Indianapolis, IN
 

Homer R. Warner, MD, PhD (1922-2012)
Abstract Article
Interview date: 5/24/2005
Publication dates: 4/17/2015; Updated 9/4/15
 

Related Oral History Collections and Information

Additional oral histories coming soon: Anthony L. Komaroff, Robert S. Ledley, DDS, Reed M. Gardner, PhD, William Edward Hammond, PhD, Thomas Lincoln, Donald W. Simborg, Lawrence Weed, MD, Howard L. Bleich, MD, Warner V. Slack, MD, Betsy Humphreys, MLS

Copyright Information
Government information at NLM Web sites is in the public domain. Public domain information may be freely distributed and copied, but it is requested that in any subsequent use the National Library of Medicine (NLM) be given appropriate acknowledgement.

Suggested citation style:
Ash JS, Sittig DF. “Origins of these Conversations with Medical Informatics Pioneers,” Conversations with Medical Informatics Pioneers: An oral history project. Ash JS, Sittig DF, interviewers. Goodwin RM, Ash JS, Sittig DF, editors. Bethesda: U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM); 2015. Available from: http://lhncbc.nlm.nih.gov/project/medical-informatics-pioneers

Photographs:
When using NLM Web sites, you may encounter documents, illustrations, photographs, or other information resources contributed or licensed by private individuals, companies, or organizations that may be protected by U.S. and foreign copyright laws. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use as defined in the copyright laws requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Specific NLM Web sites containing protected information provide additional notification of conditions associated with its use.

Content distributed via the NLM Conversations with Medical Informatics Pioneers Oral History Project may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor.

Oral History Interviews

Editors: Rebecca M. Goodwin, Joan S. Ash, and Dean F. Sittig
Interviewers: Joan S. Ash and Dean F. Sittig
Managing Editor: Rebecca M. Goodwin
Copy Editing: Cindy Allen
Design & Layout: Troy HIll, Bona Kim, John Harrington and Anne Altemus
Photo Editing: Troy Hill and Sandy Triolo
Photo Captions: Nina Matheson, Patti Brennan, Kathy Cravedi, Pat Carson, Fran Sandridge, Betsy Humphreys, Don Lindberg, Don Detmer, Marie Gallagher, Ed Hammond, Clem McDonald and Rebecca Goodwin.
Deeds of Gift: Rebecca Warlow, John Rees and Jeff Reznick

Questions? Comments? Feedback? Contact: wwwnlm@nlm.nih.gov