The year was 1957. Dwight Eisenhower was president. Elvis Presley was the King. A gallon of gas was 24 cents. A typical suburban home was $20,000. Freeways were just beginning to emerge in Los Angeles. And the Dodgers still resided in Brooklyn.
Also in 1957, the San Gabriel Valley was preparing for the debut of what has become a true civic gem for the region with the grand opening of Methodist Hospital of Southern California in Arcadia.
“Walking through the halls of our hospital today, it’s hard to imagine that this major medical center with 348 beds began as a two-bedroom house in Los Angeles at the start of the 20th century,” said Dan Ausman, president and chief executive officer, Methodist Hospital, during a special Diamond Anniversary celebration at the hospital, marking 60 years of service in the San Gabriel Valley.
A recent crowning achievement earned by the collective efforts of the hospital physicians, nurses and staff occurred when Medicare recognized Methodist Hospital with its prestigious five-star award for providing high quality, safe care to patients. No other hospital in Los Angeles County earned this recognition, which places Methodist Hospital among the Top 2% of all hospitals in the nation.
“For any hospital to be successful — no matter its size — it’s not about the bricks or mortar or the high-tech equipment,” Ausman said. “Success depends on the individuals working in the organization and their commitment to caring for patients in their time of need. The work ethic, technical skill and dedication of our doctors, nurses and employees drive all of our successes every day. I am personally so proud of our entire hospital team.”