Joseph S. Murtaugh Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS C 310

Abstract

Assistant executive director of the Public Health Service's Bureau of Medical Services, Murtaugh's files document meetings, research of public health issues, legislative activities, and program initiatives.

Dates

1946-1970

Extent

5.46 Linear Feet (14 boxes)

Creator

Murtaugh, Joseph S. (Person)

Physical Location

Materials stored onsite. History of Medicine Division. National Library of Medicine

Language of Materials

Collection materials primarily in English

Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access.

Copyright and Re-use Information

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Privacy Information

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Biographical Note

Joseph Stuart Murtaugh (1912-1973) was born in Weston, Massachusetts and graduated from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. A statistician, Murtaugh joined the Army Surgeon General's office during World War II. After the war he worked with the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration before becoming assistant executive director of the Public Health Service's Bureau of Medical Services. In 1956 he joined NIH as a member of the Director's staff, a position he held until becoming chief of Program Planning for NIH in 1961. He retired from the government in 1968 but continued working as executive secretary of the National Academy of Science's board of medicine and helped create NAS's Institute of Medicine.

Collection Summary

Collection consists primarily of administrative records and working files created during Murtaugh's service with the U. S. Public Health Service and National Institutes of Health, 1946-1970. There is also a small set of speeches given by NIH director Jim Shannon. Also includes materials relating to the reorganization of the Public Health Service, NIH program goals and objectives, the Woolridge Committee, grants policies, training studies, legislative proposals, and data on problems in NIH program areas. Information on the contemporary national health situation is prevalent.