Henry Pritchett and his introduction to the Flexner Report of 1910

This article provides historical background on Henry S. Pritchett, first president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (CFAT), analysis of his introduction to Abraham Flexner's 1910 report on medical education, and discussion of the major role that Pritchett played in conceiving the study on which the Flexner Report is based and his advocacy of the report's findings. The authors examine Pritchett's career as a scientist, scholar, and administrator. A textual analysis of the introduction to the Flexner Report demonstrates Pritchett's unique contributions to the report and how they complement Flexner's perspectives and conclusions. Finally, the authors discuss the significance of Pritchett's introduction, his rhetorical choices, and Pritchett's and CFAT's subsequent advocacy activities to improve medical education.