George E. Omer, Jr. papers
Collection
Identifier: HHC 341
Content Description
These papers help document Dr. Omer's medical career and other activities. They were left in the order found by the archivist. Types of records include publications by Dr. Omer, correspondence, photographs, slides, and other items.
This finding aid provides box-level description. Original folder titles were retained when present.
This finding aid provides box-level description. Original folder titles were retained when present.
Dates
- Primarily mid-20th to early 21st century
Conditions Governing Use
These papers are open to researchers. Standard copyright laws apply. No rights to published materials. User is responsible for all copyright compliance. Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes.
Biographical / Historical
Dr. George Elbert Omer, Jr. (December 23, 1922 - November 20, 2014) was a prominent U.S. Army surgeon and the founding chair of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine's Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. Omer was known for his pioneering work in the field of hand surgery. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Omer graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1950 after enlisting in the U.S. Army. During WWII, he served as a surgical technician, and then during the Koren War, as a physician. During the Vietnam War, he served as the Director of the Orthopaedic Residency Training Program at Walter Reed Amrmy Medical Center.
In 1970, Omer retired as a colonel from the U.S. Army and joined the University of New Mexico's School of Medicine. At UNM, Omer created a freestanding orthopaedic department and organized a hand surgery division within it. He also helped establish the physical therapy program in 1973 and was the interim medical director of Carrie Tingley Hospital. Omer also served as the president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (1978-1979) and as president of the Anerican Orthpaedic Association (1989). He retired from chairing the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation in 1990.
Dr. Omer married Wanda (Wendie) Vilven in 1949 and they had two sons, Eric and Michael.
In 1970, Omer retired as a colonel from the U.S. Army and joined the University of New Mexico's School of Medicine. At UNM, Omer created a freestanding orthopaedic department and organized a hand surgery division within it. He also helped establish the physical therapy program in 1973 and was the interim medical director of Carrie Tingley Hospital. Omer also served as the president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (1978-1979) and as president of the Anerican Orthpaedic Association (1989). He retired from chairing the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation in 1990.
Dr. Omer married Wanda (Wendie) Vilven in 1949 and they had two sons, Eric and Michael.
Extent
76 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
Materials were left in the order found by the archivist.
Custodial History
Donated by Michael Omer on April 6, 2023. Accretion on August 31, 2023.
- Title
- Guide to the George E. Omer, Jr. papers
- Author
- Abbie Weiser Olivas
- Date
- December 2023
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center Repository
Contact:
MSC 09 5100
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque New Mexico 87131 United States
505-272-2311
hsc-archivist@salud.unm.edu
MSC 09 5100
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque New Mexico 87131 United States
505-272-2311
hsc-archivist@salud.unm.edu