James “Red” Duke, Jr., MD Papers 

By Tara Carron, Archivist and Special Collections Librarian. 

Newly acquired! The papers of James “Red” Duke, Jr., MD were recently donated to the McGovern Historical Center. A box-level guide to the collection is now available online, and the materials are open for research. More information regarding Dr. Duke’s biographical history and his papers can be found on our collections site. 

As one of the inaugural faculty members at the University of Texas’ McGovern Medical School in Houston, Dr. Duke established the trauma service at Herman Hospital (now Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center). He played a key role in creating the state’s first air ambulance service, Life Flight, serving as its medical director for nearly four decades. In 2016, the institute was renamed Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute in his honor. 

A founding member of the American Trauma Society, Dr. Duke dedicated much of his career to improving trauma care infrastructure and injury prevention programs. His influence extended to national recognition through the Texas Health Reports television program, where he educated millions on various health topics. Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Duke’s distinctive appearance and folksy humor on TV made him a beloved personality in the field. His impact was not confined to medicine; he was also a devoted conservationist, serving in leadership roles for wildlife organizations.