This collection contains biographical material and personal correspondence, as well as files relating to Professor Coburn's work in the Dept. of Psychiatry, his affiliation with the New Democratic Party, and his membership with the Unitarian Universalist Church. There are several files on City and St. Paul's Hospitals, other universities, and articles, lecture notes, book reviews, speeches and addresses by Dr. Coburn.

This fonds contains materials relating to the initial research into physician health care. Vincent was one of the pioneers in this field, and much of his research and interests relate to the identification of and assistance for physicians under duress in their working, private, and spiritual lives. In addition, there is material relating to the development of the Palliative Care Movement at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, in the early 1970's, as well as material regarding Christianity and medicine, ethics, alcohol abuse, marriage and family relationships, etc.