James O. Ritchey

(Feb. 1, 1891-Dec. 4, 1981). Born on a farm in Carroll County, Indiana, James O. Ritchey earned his B.S. (1916) and M.D. (1918) degrees from Indiana University. He joined the faculty of the Indiana University School Of Medicine in 1919 and remained active until his death, a period of 62 years, serving as chairman of the Department of Medicine from 1931 until 1956 (an unpaid position at the time). In addition, he served the school in such important positions as chairman of the Medical School Admissions Committee for over 40 years.

Ritchey was a master clinician who served as a role model for beginning medical students and experienced physicians alike. He had a profound influence on thousands of practicing physicians in Indiana and throughout the nation. He trained many leading internists, medical investigators, chairmen of departments of medicine, and deans of medical schools.

Among his many honors was his designation in 1959 as the first Distinguished Professor in the School of Medicine. The James O. Ritchey Professorship in Medicine was created in 1964. He was also a governor of the American College of Physicians and the first from Indiana to become a Master of that organization.

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