Pediatric Orthopedic Care in Texas
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The effort for pediatric orthopedic care in Dallas began when the Shriners (Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) organized a board with the idea of creating a system of charity hospitals across the U.S. Samuel P. Cochran, chairman of the board, was interested in developing a locally managed service for children with orthopedic needs in Dallas. In 1921, a group of Masons approached Dallas’ first orthopedic surgeon, Dr. William B. Carrell, to help establish a clinic, particularly for children with polio. He opened the Hella Temple Free Clinic, which soon outgrew its capacity. Hella Temple purchased property on Welborn Street and opened Hella Temple Children’s Temple in 1923. Masons in Dallas and groups throughout Texas made donations to the hospital. A partnership developed between the Hella Temple Shriners and the Scottish Rite Masons, who purchased the hospital (1926) and renamed it Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children. Dr. Carrell was chief of staff until his death in 1944 and was succeeded by his son, Dr. Brandon Carrell. By the 1950s, the hospital’s concentration broadened, allowing for treatment of more children. Departments developed and the hospital took the lead in fields, including learning disorders (particularly dyslexia); spinal disorders; congenital hand disorders; limb lengthening and reconstruction; pediatric orthopedic surgeon education; scoliosis treatment; and clubfoot research. The hospital has also worked with the community through education and humanitarian work. The hospital moved here in 1978 and in 1991, it took the name Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Still led by Texas Masons and fully supported by donations, the facility continues to treat children with a wide range of medical conditions, free of charge. (2008)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Pediatric orthopedic care in Dallas grew from a 1921 effort by Masons who recruited the city's first orthopedic surgeon, Dr. William B. Carrell, to treat children—especially young polio patients—at the Hella Temple Free Clinic. The Scottish Rite Masons bought the growing hospital in 1926, and over the decades it pioneered work in dyslexia, scoliosis, clubfoot, limb reconstruction, and hand disorders. Renamed Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, it still treats children free of charge, supported entirely by donations.
Why it matters
It reflects the fraternal and charitable impulse that built much of America's early children's medicine, and a century-long commitment to treating kids regardless of a family's ability to pay.
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Related people
- · Dr. William B. Carrell
- · Dr. Brandon Carrell
- · Samuel P. Cochran
Themes & tags
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