Edward Bell Krumbhaar, M.D. (1882-1966) was a distinguished pathologist and cardiac physiologist, as well as one of Philadelphia’s leading historians of medicine. A founder of both the Section on Medical History of the College of Physicians and the American Association of the History of Medicine (AAHM), Dr. Krumbhaar also served as President of the College and of the AAHM. Throughout his career he published English translations of works originally in French, German and Italian. Besides his own work, he is best remembered by historians for his revised translation of Arturo Castiglioni’s History of Medicine (1941).

In February 1957, the Section on Medical History of the College of Physicians awarded the first Krumbhaar Award. The Wood Institute for the History of Medicine and the Section on Medical History revived this award and announce the 2006-2007 medical student essay contest.

Eligibility: Contestants must currently be students in a medical or osteopathic school in eastern Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Those awarded the M.D. or D.O. degree in May or June 2005 are eligible. Students with advanced degrees in history, other humanities, sociology, or anthropology will be judged in a separate pool.

Conditions: Essays must be based on new original research in primary sources. We encourage use of the museum and library collections at the College of Physicians. College Library and Mütter Museum staff will assist in reference capacities, but will not perform research or help edit the essays before submission. Entries will be due on April 1, 2006; winners to be announced at a date to be announced in the spring of 2006.

Prizes: First prize will be $300. More than one prize will be awarded at the discretion of the judges. Contest winners will be invited to attend College Night on May 25th to receive their award.

For further information please contact Sofie Sereda at 215-563-3737x232 or sereda@collphyphil.org