Our hospital began as a dream, partnering with an existing facility for children and committed volunteers, and ultimately laying a strong foundation to become the state-of-the-art, stand-alone facility that opened in early 2004.

Vanderbilt Children's Hospital's story begins in 1968 and like any masterful work, its progress has occurred in marked phases.

Vanderbilt Medical School faculty member David T. Karzon had a vision to create an entire hospital that would serve the healthcare needs of children and pioneer significant change in the area of pediatrics. Dr. Karzon, who eventually chaired the Pediatrics Department of Vanderbilt Hospital, developed the mind-set of a "hospital within a hospital" model and established various centers within the main hospital that specialized in children's services.

Within two years, the brand-new Children's Regional Medical Center was formed, adopting a three-prong vision:

To deliver the highest quality medical care to children

To create a special environment for children and their families

To serve as a resource that is responsive to the community

In the Fall of 1971, a group of community-minded women approached Dr. Karzon about forming a support group of volunteers who would raise funds and create public awareness, and the Friends of Vanderbilt Children's Hospital was made official one year later.