Fitzsimons Army Medical Center

Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in 1989-->

Fitzsimons Army Medical Center was a pivotal United States Army installation located in Aurora, Colorado. It played a significant role in the medical care, research, and education for the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense for over 80 years. The center was named in honor of Lt. William T. Fitzsimons, the first American officer killed in World War I.

History

The origins of Fitzsimons Army Medical Center date back to 1918, when it was established as a military hospital to treat soldiers wounded in World War I. Over the years, it expanded its services and infrastructure to become one of the largest and most comprehensive military medical facilities in the United States. During World War II, it served as a major medical training center and hospital for the U.S. Army. In the post-war years, Fitzsimons continued to grow, adding more buildings and services, including a significant research component.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center became renowned for its medical research programs, particularly in the fields of radiology, neurology, and infectious diseases. It also housed one of the first nuclear medicine programs in the country.

Closure and Legacy

Despite its historical significance and contributions to military medicine, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center was slated for closure in the late 1990s as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. The hospital officially closed in 1999, and the site has since been redeveloped into the Fitzsimons Innovation Community and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, which includes the University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado. This transformation has turned the area into a leading hub for medical research, education, and patient care.

Facilities and Contributions

Fitzsimons Army Medical Center was known for its distinctive main building, often referred to as the "Main Hospital," which was completed in 1941. This Art Deco structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been preserved as part of the campus redevelopment. The center was also home to a variety of specialized facilities, including a state-of-the-art research laboratory and one of the first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines used for clinical purposes.

Throughout its operation, Fitzsimons played a critical role in advancing medical knowledge and technology. It was involved in the development of new surgical techniques, medical devices, and treatment methods that have had a lasting impact on medicine.

Conclusion

Fitzsimons Army Medical Center has left a lasting legacy in the fields of military medicine and medical research. Its transformation into a modern health science and innovation district ensures that its contributions to medicine and the military will continue to be felt for generations to come.