By Allison LaRocca, Archives Intern
The Edmond K. Doak papers collection has been newly processed and a is now available at the McGovern Historical Center and Archive.
This small collection (1 box/0.25 cu. ft.) consists of a single series housing the creator’s autobiography, four typescript short stories based on Doak’s experiences in his medical career, and one typescript short story inspired by Doak’s grandfather’s experience as a doctor in rural Texas in the 19th century.

Edmond King Doak, was born October 3, 1909, in Taylor, Texas, to Ethelston King Doak and Dr. Edmond Doak, Sr. His grandfather, Abner Vernon “A.V.” Doak, recognized as the first doctor of Taylor, Texas. The family homestead was registered as a historic landmark in 1965 by the Texas Historical Survey Committee. He died on November 29, 2000.
Along with a strong family background in medicine, Doak was educated at Rice Institute and, subsequently, at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Doak began an internship at Hermann Hospital in 1934 with plans to specialize in obstetrics. After completing his internship, he worked alongside his father in Taylor, Texas and served as City Health Officer for a time. In the 1940s, Doak relocated to Houston where he practiced internal medicine until retiring in 1974. After retiring, Doak began freelance writing and teaching at the Lifelong Learning Center at the Junior Forum. His stories were often published as filler pieces in professional medical periodicals like Resident & Staff Physician.