Medical Center History Subject of Lecture Elizabeth Robilotti’99, Columbia College history major, and Dr. David Rosner, left, professor of public health and history for the Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, converse with some Columbia professors before their lecture on the history of Columbia-Presbyterian. The History of Columbia University seminar series moved to the Health Sciences campus on March 24 for a program devoted to the history of Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. Professor of history and public health, Dr. David Rosner, was joined by Columbia College senior Elizabeth Robilotti in presenting the two-part lecture titled "Universities and Their Medical Schools: The Columbia Experience.” Dr. Rosner was invited to present the lecture by Robert McCaughey, professor of history at Barnard, who is writing a comprehensive history of Columbia for the planned celebration of Columbia’s 250th anniversary in 2003-4. By chance, Ms. Robilotti had contacted Dr. Rosner for information concerning her senior thesis. With a smile he explained to the audience how he told her, "Guess what? We’re going to give a lecture together!" When Dr. William A. Polf, deputy vice president for external relations and strategic programs, learned of the planned lecture, he proposed that it be delivered at the medical center. "We thought it would be a good way to kick off medical center involvement in the 250th celebration planning," he said. The Office of External Relations sponsored the lecture, which was held in the Russ Berrie Pavilion conference room. Dr. Rosner’s presentation provided a detailed view of the state of health in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He provided a historical backdrop for Ms. Robilotti’s lecture on the union between Columbia and Presbyterian Hospital. Ms. Robilotti discussed the impact of the influential Flexner Report of 1908, which was based on a national survey of how medical education and research were carried out. Flexner proposed bringing hospitals and medical schools together on specially designed campuses to enhance the relationship among clinical care, education, and research. Ms. Robilotti also explained how Edward Harkness first tried to effect an affiliation between Columbia and Roosevelt Hospital. Harkness turned to Presbyterian when Roosevelt’s president, James McLane, turned down the proposal. Harkness’ subsequent grant of land led to the creation of the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center.