History

Built on the foundations of service, care and compassion, Methodist Healthcare's culture is rooted in our rich history. Concerned about the conditions of the hospital where his sick pastor was being treated, Mississippi planter John Sherard dreamed of building a hospital that would provide quality healthcare and privacy for patients. 

In 1918, the Methodist Hospital of Memphis was chartered and in 1921, Methodist opened our first permanent facility on Lamar Avenue. A hospital was first built on the current site of University Hospital in 1924. Methodist Healthcare was organized and chartered in 1982 as Methodist Health Systems, the parent company of multiple hospitals and other entities. The name was changed to Methodist Healthcare in 1998, and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in 2007. 

What began as a one-hospital dream is now a multi-facility organization, creating a healthier future for people all across the Mid-South. Our system family touches more lives in more ways than anyone else in the Mid-South. We have six adult hospitals, Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, minor medical facilities, wound healing clinics, diagnostic centers, surgery centers, sleep centers and myM.D. clinics.