Carr, Dr Robert 1997-06-27

Dr. Robert Carr, who began practicing pediatric medicine in Lubbock in the mid-1950s, reflects on his career. Included is a discussion of changes in medicine and controversial issues.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Dr. Robert Carr

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: June 27, 1997

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Fred Allison

Length: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Carr, Robert - background, Current activities, b: August 16, 1925, Fairley, TX, Childhood memories, Family, Father, Depression, Move to Lubbock, Texas 1932, Joined Navy - 1942, Officer training, Travels in war, Return to Lubbock, Pre-med at Texas Tech, Southwestern Medical School - 1951, Internships in Denver, Colorado, Dallas, Texas - Pediatric Residency, Return to Lubbock - 1954, Associate of Dr. J. D. Donaldson and Dr. Noel Ellis, Established independence from hospital camps, Interest in medicine, Influence of Dr. Overton, Character, Navy experience in World War II, V-12 Medical training, Commander LCT, Philippines, Why Lubbock?, Family, Negative Dallas experience, Climate, Dr. J. D. Donaldson, Character, Lubbock's closed town character, Doctor ownership of hospitals, Effect on Lubbock medical development, Good doctors, Dr. Cannon at West Texas Hospital, President F. D. Roosevelt's doctor, West Texas Hospital in 1950s, Carr, Robert Chief of Staff, ER services/facilities, Methodist Hospital in 1950s, ER description, Dr. Felipe Pores - 1st full time ER doctor, Housecalls, Regular duty, Carr, Robert one of last to stop, Area serviced, Anecdotes about 'scary' housecalls, Gypsies, Minority care, Carr, Robert (again), Interest in pediatrics

Tape 1, Side 2: Carr, Robert (continued), Interest in pediatrics (continued), Influence of Dr. Gladys Fashena at Southwestern, Working with all hospitals (again), Dr. Donaldson's and Carr's office, Differences between hospitals, St. Mary's, West Texas Hospital, Lubbock, Memorial/Methodist, Dr. Overton's pride in good food, Early Lubbock doctors, Dr. Cannon and President Roosevelt, Dr. Sam Dunn, Bedside manner, work ethic, World War II effects, Doctor shortage, Nurses, Nursing schools, Medical school, Texas Tech Medical School, Impetus for, Preston Smith, Delwin Jones, Doctors for West Texas, Shortage in small towns, Doctors support, Dr. Brandon Hull, Most favored, Carr, Robert teaching at, Old time doctors perceptions of new doctors, Supportive, Dr. Overton, Description of personality/character, Indigent care, All doctors assumed some responsibility for, Cooperativeness, Lubbock, Crosby, Garza Medical Society, Carr, Robert as head of , Difference today, Changes in medical care, Government intervention, Insurance intervention, Government intrusion (again), Strings attached to government money, Positive aspects, Negative effects, Doctor/patient relations (again), Indigent care prior to government intervention, Doctors responsibility for, Carr, Robert personal experience, Charity clinic

Tape 2, Side 1: Changes in medical care (continued), Indigent care (continued), Carr, Robert personal experience (continued), Charity clinic (continued), Clientele, Pediatricians, Carr, Robert (again), Views on medical profession, As a calling, Charity always a part, Government involvement effect on doctors', volunteerism, Charity cases today, Current doctors' views, Service mentality, Lubbock - ca 1954, Effects of World War II, Military bases, Population shifts, Patriotism, Hospitality to servicemen, Minorities and hospitals in 1950s, West Texas Hospital, Chatman Hospital, Dr. Chatman, Character, reputation, Government demand blacks on hospital staffs, West Texas Hospital (again), Dr. Chatman, Dr. Loving, Chatman Hospital (again), Black children medical care, Integration and Lubbock, Memories of segregation, Few hard feelings, Comparison with today, Black nurses at West Texas Hospital--LVNs, Relations with West Texas and Methodist Hospital camps (again), Differences, Golden Age of Medicine, Improvements since 1951, Drugs, Penicillin, Vaccinations, Polio, Polio wards, Baby formula, Effects of World War II, Sulfa drugs, Penicillin (again), Polio epidemic - early 1950s, Bulbar Polio

Tape 2, Side 2: Golden Age of Medicine (continued), Polio epidemic (continued), Polio wards (again), Iron lungs, Nightmare, Conditions, Danger of infection for medical personnel, Children proneness, Vaccines, Dr. Sabin and Salk, Carr, Robert 'scare' with own children, Small pox vaccines, IV Fluids importance of, General care and hygiene, Diseases less a threat, Meningitis, Influenza, Pediatrics - preventative science, Scarlet fever, Carr, Robert views on, American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Abortion legalization, Permissible circumstances, Children advocate, Personal experiences, Counseling, Personal responsibility, Youth's attitude, Family values, Motherhood today, Divorce, Societal trends, Influence of TV, Spoiled children, Provincialism broken down, HMOs, Arrival in Lubbock

Tape 3, Side 1: Carr, Robert views (continued), HMOs (continued), Effect on doctor efficiency, Cost, Effect on doctors' practices, Effect on doctor/patient relationship, Fear of litigation, Anecdote, Negative effect of lawyers, Lubbock tornado, Head of West Texas, Hospital staff, Preparedness, No electricity, Anecdotes, Description, Anecdotes (again), Looting, Community reaction, Efforts to help, Displaced persons, South Plains skyscraper, Reflections on career, Advice to aspiring doctors, Idealism

Tape 3, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1925-1997

Bulk Dates: 1950s

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