John Prior (1913-1992) was professor emeritus and former associate dean for Ohio State’s College of Medicine. He also received both his BA and MD from Ohio State.
His main research interest was chest diseases, specifically tuberculosis and histoplasmosis. He was instrumental in the development of both the allied medical professions program and the pulmonary program at Ohio State. As a champion for continuing medical education across the state, Prior helped create the Ohio Medical Education Network (OMEN).
He chaired the committee that was responsible for the design of the health sciences library. Prior Hall where the health science library is housed is named after him in recognition of his work.
Prior was awarded the university’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the Distinguished Service Alumni Award from the College of Medicine.