Thorek Memorial Hospital
| Thorek Memorial Hospital | |
|---|---|
| Geography | |
| Location | 850 W. Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60613 |
| Coordinates | 41°57′18″N 87°39′05″W / 41.95500712854709°N 87.65150897379706°W |
| Organisation | |
| Funding | Non-profit hospital |
| Services | |
| Public transit access | Red at Sheridan |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | American Hospital |
| Opened | 1911 |
| Links | |
| Website | www |
Thorek Memorial Hospital is a 218-bed, not-for-profit, acute care facility located in Uptown, Chicago's Buena Park neighborhood.[1] The hospital also operates clinics in Andersonville, Chinatown, Ukrainian Village, and Skokie.[2]
History
Thorek Memorial Hospital was founded as the American Hospital by Dr. Max Thorek, his wife Fannie, and Dr. Solomon Greenspahn in 1911. Their goal was to serve patients based on need, regardless of their ability to pay.[3] Dr. Thorek had a passion for the theater, and was concerned that many performers had nowhere to turn when they fell ill or were hurt. Therefore, in its early years, they devoted the 25-bed hospital specifically to serving the performing arts community.[3]
In 1916, Thorek and Greenspahn moved the hospital to its current location on Irving Park Road in Uptown.[4] The hospital has cared for famous performers such as Mae West, Harry Houdini, Buffalo Bill, the Marx Brothers, Sarah Bernhardt, and Al Jolson.[4][3]
Under the direction of Max and Fannie's son, Dr. Phillip Thorek, the hospital expanded its footprint, increased the number and types of services offered, and adopted new technology and equipment to improve patient care.[4]
References
- ^ "About Us". Thorek Memorial Hospital. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Clinic Locations". Thorek Memorial Hospital. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ a b c "Dr. Max Thorek: A Remarkable Chicagoan". International Museum of Surgical Science. 2022-06-15. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ a b c "A History of Caring". Thorek Memorial Hospital. Retrieved 3 July 2025.