Galveston: Exploring the Roots of Texas' Healthcare Success
In 1865, the first medical college in Texas opened in Chappell Hill…
as a branch of Soule University. This was a remarkable accomplishment for the time, as medical education in the United States was still in its infancy. This college, Texas Medical College and Hospital, was a private Methodist university. Although it needed more resources and equipment than many of its counterparts, it still managed to provide a high level of education to its 46 students by 1873. The college was moved three times, and students were finally authorized to attend to patients in the rapidly growing city of Galveston.
In 1881, when the decision was made to locate the University of Texas medical school in Galveston, St. Mary's Infirmary was the only hospital in Oleander City. St. Mary's was founded in 1867 and was the first hospital in the area.
In 1890, the first formal school of nursing in Texas was established at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston. This was 17 years after founding the first formalized nurse-training schools in the country. The hospital, founded by Galveston businessman John Sealy, was made possible by his endowment. John Sealy Hospital quickly became a leader in health care, offering excellent care and training to its students. At the hospital, students could learn about the latest advances in medicine and nursing and gain hands-on experience in patient care. The nursing school was a significant step forward in advancing nursing in Texas.
In 1891, the medical branch of the University of Texas was established at the college's location. This college, now called the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston, is one of Texas' leading medical colleges today.
UTMB was housed in the Red Brick building, called Old Red, which still stands today. Since then, UTMB has grown to include six hospitals and four schools with 2,500 students and residents. It also houses a Level I trauma center, two institutes, an affiliated Shriners Burns Hospital, and state-of-the-art research facilities. In addition, UTMB is home to Galveston National Biocontainment Laboratory on its campus. This laboratory houses several Biosafety Level 4 research laboratories used to study highly infectious materials safely. Today, UTMB is one of Texas' leading medical colleges, providing areas of clinical excellence for all Texans, such as geriatrics, cardiac services, diabetes care, kidney disease, telemedicine, and behavioral health. UTMB is also a leader in research, focusing on biodefense and infectious diseases, vaccine development, aging and longevity, neuroscience, molecular medicine, and environmental health.
Galveston, Texas, has a long and distinguished history of providing excellent healthcare research and treatment to its residents. From the first medical college in Texas, the University of Texas Medical Branch, to the founding of John Sealy Hospital and St. Mary's Infirmary, Galveston has been at the forefront of healthcare in the state. This commitment to providing the best healthcare possible has enabled Galveston to become a healthcare research and treatment leader. Its institutions are examples of the importance of providing quality healthcare to all. By supporting research, treatment, and education, Galveston ensures that it will remain a leader in healthcare for years to come.
