The Ohio State University Health Sciences Library Medical Heritage Center (MHC) is now accepting applications for the George W. Paulson, MD Scholar-in-Residence Program, offering a flexible residency period between September 1, 2026, and August 31, 2027. Established to encourage original research rooted in historical evidence, this program provides scholars with access to resources, dedicated research space, and support to examine the health sciences history of central Ohio and relate those findings to contemporary developments in the field.
About the Program
The George W. Paulson, MD Scholar-in-Residence Program honors the memory of George W. Paulson, MD, an extraordinary physician and local historian who was also a long-time MHC scholar and a founding member of the Medical Heritage Center. Past scholars-in-residence include John C. Burnham, PhD; E. Christopher Ellison, MD; Patricia T. Gabbe, MD, MPH, FAAP; Robert Kirk, PhD; Craig Miller, MD; Popat Patil, PhD; Douglas Rund, MD; Robert Stevenson, DDS; Joel Vilensky, PhD; Charles F. Wooley, MD; and James Wright, MD, PhD. Results of past residencies have included department histories, journal articles, books, presentations and other scholarly contributions. Our most recent scholar was Joel Weaver, DDS, PhD, who is finishing up a book on the history of the Ohio State Department of Anesthesia.
As the archival and rare book repository of the Health Sciences Library, the MHC preserves and provides access to rare books, archives and artifacts that document the region’s health and medical history. Scholars-in-Residence are encouraged to draw deeply from these collections while also taking advantage of related resources across Ohio State, partner institutions and regional libraries.
Selected scholars receive a stipend of up to $5,000 to advance their residency activities. Funded by the Columbus Medical Association Foundation endowment for the MHC, the award may be used for (but is not limited to) research equipment, support staff and publication costs. Scholars also receive touch down office space, limited storage for project materials, research assistance, collection access and use of shared large office equipment. A one-year renewal may be available upon request, depending on the scope of the project.
How to Apply
The program welcomes applicants from a wide range of health sciences and health humanities backgrounds, including students, clinician-historians and PhD-trained historians. Applications are evaluated on the strength of the proposal and the anticipated use of historical collections. Preference is given to projects addressing local or regional medical history.
The MHC particularly values projects with a clear plan to publish with nationally-known presses and in peer-reviewed journals. During the residency, scholars are expected to submit a mid-point report and a final report describing progress and outcomes. At least one presentation and one publication are expected from a successful Scholar-in-Residence project.
Submit a complete application package by June 22, 2026. The Medical Heritage Center Advisory Committee will select a successful applicant by July 20, 2026. Application materials should include: (1) a cover letter describing the intended area of research and publication and how the project aligns with the goals of the Scholar-in-Residence Program (please note planned use of MHC collections where applicable); (2) a CV; (3) a proposed budget and timeline; and (4) at least two (2) letters of recommendation. The application and any questions should be emailed to Judith Wiener, Health Sciences Library Associate Director for Collections and Outreach at MHCmail@osumc.edu.
About the MHC
The MHC’s holdings support research in the history of medicine, public health and the health professions. The rare books collection contains more than 25,000 volumes, including limited-edition and one-of-a-kind monographs dating back to 1555. Archival holdings include papers and memorabilia from regional and nationally recognized luminaries, as well as records from local health sciences organizations. The artifact collection preserves health sciences equipment used as early as the 1800s. Visit our webpage to learn more about the MHC and its collections.
