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Edgar M. Housepian (b.1928 d.2014), Columbia College (BA; 1949), College of Physicians and Surgeons (MD; 1953), was a neurosurgeon at Presbyterian Hospital and Professor at Columbia University, specifically within the Department of Neurological Surgery and the Neurological Institute. He was instrumental in coordinating disaster relief in Armenia after a major earthquake struck in 1988. His papers include correspondence in the form of letters and printed-out email, academic papers, book chapters, lectures, notes, newspaper and magazine clippings, articles, curricula vitae, inventories, grant applications, architectural plans, research proposals, conference proposals, agendas, fundraising records, medical instrument drawings and catalogs, reports, programs, agreements, photographs--including prints, slides, negatives and x-rays--and one video and 16mm.
History and Biography
Edgar M. Housepian was born in New York City on March 18, 1928 to parents Dr. Moses and Makrouhie Housepian—both ethnic Armenian emigrants from Syria and Turkey. He attended Horace Mann School (Class of 1946) and Columbia University, receiving a BA degree from Columbia College (1949) and MD from the College of Physicians and Surgeons (1953). He married Marion Grace Lyon in 1954 and had sons David (b. 1955), Stephen (b. 1957) and daughter Jean (b. 1960). He held appointments at Columbia University and Presbyterian Hospital for the duration of his career, specifically within the Department of Neurological Surgery and the Neurological Institute. He was active in professional organizations and was instrumental in the development of stereoencephalotomy and stereotaxic surgery. He served as investigator for clinical studies in the development and evaluation of surgery for Parkinsonism and the dyskinesias (1960s).
As a neurological surgeon, Housepian designed innovative modifications for Herbert Olivecrona’s clip to treat aneurysms. Housepian distributed a prototype which could be applied with standard instruments such as a long mosquito forceps (1967). In 1984, he also proposed modifications to the Ethicon clip, a titanium clip produced by Johnson & Johnson. Soon after, he was involved in a two –year study (1986-1988) researching the safety and effectiveness of genetically altered recombinant beta-interferon in the treatment of high-grade malignant glial tumors, sponsored by the Comprehensive Cancer Center’s neuro-oncology program, with funding from Triton Biosciences Inc.
On December 7, 1988, a catastrophic earthquake struck the then Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia. Housepian became involved in the immediate disaster relief, liaising with the Soviet Consul, Armenian Ministry of Health, and the Archdiocese of the Armenian Church in New York. He worked closely with the Diocesan Fund for Armenia’s Recovery (DFAR), later named Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), to coordinate volunteers and the shipment of food, drugs, and other emergency medical supplies. By 2010, he was Vice Chairman for the FAR Board of Directors. He died at his home in New Jersey on November 14, 2014.
Organization
This collection has been organized into six series: 1. Biographical and Personal; 2. Armenia; 3. Correspondence; 4. Professional; 5. Department of Neurological Surgery and Neurological Institute; 6. Office of International Affiliations.
The Housepian papers include correspondence in the form of letters and printed-out email, academic papers, book chapters, lectures, notes, newspaper and magazine clippings, articles, curricula vitae, inventories, grant applications, architectural plans, research proposals, conference proposals, presentations, agendas, fundraising records, medical instrument drawings and catalogs, reports, programs, agreements, photographs—including prints, slides, negatives and x-rays--and one video and film. Housepian often wrote notes on the front of folders. These were retained if providing information of historical, evidentiary value.
Subject Headings and Related Records
Administrative Information
Gift of Edgar Housepian (accessions #2010.07.20 and #2011.014).