The Oral History Project will highlight the first eight (8) recipients of the Foundation’s Renaissance Award. The Foundation for the History of Women in Medicine presents the Alma Dea Morani, M.D. Renaissance Woman Award annually in honor of an outstanding woman physician or scientist in North America

•  who has furthered the practice and understanding of medicine in our lifetime and made significant contributions outside of medicine, for example, in the humanities, arts or social sciences;

• whose determination and spirit have carried her beyond traditional pathways in medicine and science; and

• who challenges the status quo with a passion for learning.

The actual award is a sculpture of Dr. Alma Dea Morani’s hand, representing humanism in medicine.  The award is presented at the College of Physicians in Philadelphia each fall.

The Oral History Project will allow for the oral histories to be completed for six of the eight living award recipients including, in some cases, videotaped presentations.  A portrait of each recipient may also be included as part of this comprehensive project. The Oral History Project will be coordinated by the Foundation’s Oral History Committee and will commence in the fall of 2007 and be completed by December 2010. The oral history of Dr. Louise Schnaufer will also be included as part of this collection.

Funds needed to complete this project are projected at $150,000 over a three year period of time.  A campaign bearing the name will commence in the spring of 2007 in order to secure three year pledges toward the project.