The Birth Of The Texas Medical Center: A Personal Account [Hardcover]

Frederick C. Elliott (Author), William Henry Kellar (Editor), Richard E. Wainerdi (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 9, 2004

Before World War II, Houston was home to many outstanding individual doctors, but no comprehensive, synergistic system existed to focus their collective efforts. Today, the world-renowned Texas Medical Center sprawls across more than 740 acres and receives more than five million patients each year. Its forty member institutions include two medical schools, four schools of nursing, and thirteen hospitals. The determination of a few hardworking individuals such as dentist Frederick C. Elliott breathed life into the dream of a multi-specialty, multi-institutional medical complex. His autobiography, edited by William Henry Kellar, presents an eyewitness account of the founding of the Texas Medical Center. He details the political struggles of finding funding and property for the building of the center as well as conflicts that arose regarding innovative treatments and procedures for inter-institutional cooperation. Elliott provides realistic portraits of the medical men, educators, and businessmen who worked together--and sometimes quarreled--to bring the Medical Center into being. Through the time and vision Elliott and others put into building the Texas Medical Center, doctors found a forum in which to learn from one another and to exchange ideas and techniques that would change the way the art of medicine was taught and practiced. Elliott's story reveals the human side of a huge and dynamic institution.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dr. Elliot’s book provides a unique perspective of the creation of the Texas Medical Center. His insight into this historically significant process is of great value to all of those who want to understand how what is now the largest medical center in the world came into being. He was more than simply an observer, he was a vital participant and leader in all that occurred.”--Richard E. Wainerdi, President, CEO & COO, Texas Medical Center

(Richard E. Wainerdi, President, CEO & COO, Texas Medical Center )

About the Author

FREDERICK C. ELLIOTT was one of the nine signers of the original charter establishing the Texas Medical Center in 1945 and held the position of executive director from1952–63. A passionate advocate for improved public health, he served on a variety of health committees, including the Red Cross and the Houston Board of Health (of which he was president from 1938–41).WILLIAM HENRY KELLAR, who is the executive director of the University of Houston’s Scholars’ Community, holds a Ph.D. in history from that university. In addition to teaching, Kellar has written several books, including co-authorship of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic: A Legacy of Excellence in Health Care, and Service Corporation International: The Creation of the Modern Death Care Industry.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: TAMU Press; 1st edition (November 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585443336
• ISBN-13: 978-1585443338
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #596,916 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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