From Yesterday to Today: Our History
Alton Ochsner was the founding father of the Ochsner Health System and his ideals still guide the hospital and clinic that bear his name. He was a larger-than-life character, a relentless worker, a demanding teacher and a visionary researcher (he railed against smoking long before scientific research quieted skeptics). And although he was a man of exceptional achievements, Alton Ochsner was driven by one priority: the needs of the patient. Today, his values are still at work at Ochsner – a place where personalized, compassionate care comes before everything else.
Since those early days, Ochsner Health System has grown to become the largest health care system in the region with more than 8,000 employees, including 600 physicians in 80 medical specialties and sub-specialties.
Ochsner’s holdings now include seven hospitals as well as a sub-acute facility and 33 neighborhood health centers throughout South Louisiana. We also have medical centers in Kenner, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Raceland and on the West Bank. These holdings include:
- Ochsner Medical Center, which is located near uptown New Orleans. It houses acute and sub-acute facilities as well as the Ochsner Cancer Institute, Ochsner Multi-Organ Transplant Center and Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute.
- Ochsner Medical Center for Children, our inpatient facility.
- Ochsner Children’s Health Center, our ambulatory facility offering comprehensive care for our youngest patients.
- The 158-room Brent House Hotel, which is located on our main campus for the convenience of patients’ families. Click here for more information.
- Elmwood Fitness Center (EFC), which is one of the largest health and fitness centers in the region. With more than 20,000 members, EFC has four locations throughout the local region, including the flagship facility in Harahan, which boasts 160,000 square feet of space. EFC also offers satellite centers in Metairie, Downtown New Orleans and Kenner. Click here for more information.
