Douglas P. Murphy Papers

Douglas P. Murphy (1893-1971) served as a surgeon in the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) during World War I. During his military service, Murphy worked in several medical hospitals in France from 1917 until the war’s end in 1918. Surviving the war intact, and even managing to get married during his time overseas, Murphy returned home to Philadelphia and opened his own obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) practice. His clinical experience eventually branched into a teaching position as the Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Research Associate at University of Pennsylvania Gynecean Hospital Institute of Gynecologic Research.

The Douglas P. Murphy Papers span from 1917 until 1972. The collection includes several account books from Murphy’s medical practice, which document patient visits, notes on their health, and any accrued fees. Murphy’s paper-bound scrapbook contains four pages and numerous loose documents pertaining to his military service in France during World War I. Military documents include Murphy’s AEF identification card, memos, special orders, telegrams, and health records. The Murphy Papers are an invaluable resource for researchers interested in MRC and AEF’s involvement in World War I, as well as the management of small OB/GYN practices during the 1940-1950s.