The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City is renowned for its specialization in orthopedic and rheumatologic care. Established in 1863, it holds the distinction of being the oldest orthopedic hospital in the United States. This article delves into the hospital's founding and its formative years, highlighting key developments and milestones that shaped its early history.
The Establishment of HSS
The Hospital for Special Surgery was incorporated on March 27, 1863,
as The Hospital of the New York Society for the Relief of the Ruptured and Crippled. It was founded by Dr. James Knight, a general practicing physician, and Robert M. Hartley, a secretary of the Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor. The hospital was established as a philanthropic effort to provide medical care to injured Civil War soldiers and needy city residents. Dr. Knight was appointed as the Resident Physician and Surgeon, and the hospital was initially located in his Manhattan home at 97 Second Avenue.
The hospital began with 28 inpatient beds available for children, and adults were treated as outpatients. The poor received free treatment, while others were charged a moderate fee. The hospital opened its doors to its first patient, a four-year-old boy with paralysis, on May 1, 1863. This marked the beginning of HSS's long-standing commitment to providing specialized care to those in need.
Expansion and Growth
In 1870, the hospital moved to a new location at the northwest corner of Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street, expanding its capacity to a 200-bed, four-story facility. This move was significant in accommodating the growing demand for orthopedic care. In 1871, Virgil P. Gibney joined the hospital as an assistant physician and surgeon, later becoming the second surgeon-in-chief after Dr. Knight's passing in 1887.
The hospital continued to innovate and expand its services. In 1887, it founded the first orthopedic residency program in the country, setting a precedent for medical training in the field. Young doctors in training applied for positions as house surgeons, senior assistants, or junior assistants, becoming known as residents—a term now universally recognized in the United States.
Technological Advancements
The late 19th century saw significant technological advancements at HSS. In 1898, the hospital opened its first dedicated operating room, enhancing its surgical capabilities. The following year, it established a pathology laboratory and installed its first X-ray machine, just four years after Wilhelm Röntgen invented the device. These developments underscored HSS's commitment to staying at the forefront of medical technology and improving patient care.
The early years of the Hospital for Special Surgery laid a strong foundation for its future success. Through strategic expansions, innovative training programs, and technological advancements, HSS established itself as a leader in orthopedic care, a legacy that continues to this day.
