Hance Francis Haney was born October 20, 1903 in the small town of Westfield, Wisconsin. He attended University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he earned a BA (1926) and a PhD in physiology (1934). Concurrent with his work in Wisconsin, he also studied medicine at Rush University in Chicago, where he earned his MD degree (1934).

After graduating, he came to the University of Oregon Medical School (precursor to OHSU) as an instructor in biochemistry. In 1936 he joined the Department of Physiology, and served as head of the department from 1941-1946. He then moved from the basic sciences to the Department of Medicine. He was appointed Professor of Medicine in 1955, and became an emeritus in 1972. During his research career, Dr. Haney published over 40 articles in medicine, biochemistry and physiology. 

Later in his career, Dr. Haney was a well-known and influential administrator at UOMS, serving as Chairman of the Committee on Admissions and Advanced Standing from 1966-1972.

He was a prominent member of the Portland Academy of Medicine and the North Pacific Society of Internal Medicine, serving as president of both organizations in 1963. He also served on the board of the Oregon State Public Welfare Commission from 1951-1957. He was also a member of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s posse; a fondness for horsemanship and Western Americana is also suggested in this undated photograph.

Haney died in April 1991 at age 87, from causes related to old age. He was survived by his wife, Stella (1906-1995), four children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.


Contributed by Maija Anderson, Head, OHSU Historical Collections & Archives