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Our History

A History of Breakthroughs
Young child leaning over and smiling
Being the nation’s first pediatric hospital is only one of the many firsts we’ve celebrated over the past 170+ years.

Leading the way

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) first opened its doors in 1855. Founded by Francis West Lewis, MD – along with T. Hewson Bache, MD, and R.A.F. Penrose, MD – CHOP was the first hospital in the United States dedicated to finding cures and treating illnesses and injuries specific to children.  

Led by the greatest minds in medicine, and with support from our generous donors, we have a proud history of solving the most challenging problems in children’s health and transforming the lives of our patients and families.
1877
Creates first formal training for pediatric physicians
19th century clinician
1936
Produces first vaccine for whooping cough
Early 20th century clinician with young patient
1943
Discovers first vaccine for influenza
Influenza vaccine vial
1956
Develops the first working shunt valve to drain fluid for the treatment of hydrocephalus
1962
Establishes first surgical NICU
1960s NICU
1963
Develops first rubella vaccine
Dr. Plotkin
1978
Develops an umbrella device (in collaboration with colleagues at the Franklin Institute) for nonsurgical closure of certain congenital heart defects
Collaboration
1996
Performs the Hospital's first fetal surgery, removing a large tumor from Roberto's lung before birth
A fetal surgeon holds the tiny hand of Roberto, who was returned to his mother's womb after having a tumor removed in utero
2004
FDA approves first device to treat thoracic insufficiency syndrome, developed by CHOP
2006
FDA approves CHOP-developed rotavirus vaccine
Rotavirus
2008
Creates the first birthing unit in a pediatric hospital dedicated to mothers carrying babies with known birth defects
Newborn baby hooked up to IV
2012
CAR T-cell therapy administered to first pediatric patient
Young girl getting a medical exam
2013
Performs world’s first successful open fetal surgery to remove a pericardial teratoma
Closeup of an infant's hand
2015
Performs the first pediatric bilateral hand transplant
Young boy holding a football and smiling
2017
FDA approves first gene therapy for inherited blindness, developed by CHOP and Penn
Blonde freckled girl sitting by the window and smiling
2023
FDA approves two gene therapies for sickle cell disease after landmark clinical trials at CHOP and other sites
Sickle cell patient smiling with her mother outside
2025
Treats world's first patient with personalized gene-editing therapy developed in collaboration with Penn
KJ with physician
Lab technician viewing a vile with a sample

The next generation of breakthroughs

Today, children and families around the world benefit from CHOP’s trailblazing research and pioneering treatments. With unmatched capabilities and a track record to prove it, we have become a research powerhouse, continuing to actively cultivate new avenues of discovery with life-changing potential.  

A huge enterprise with humble beginnings

CHOP has been proud to call Philadelphia home for more than 170 years. We’ve moved three times since first opening our doors in 1855; in 1974, we moved to Civic Center Boulevard. Over the years, we’ve continued to grow, bringing our uniquely comprehensive bench-to-bedside care closer to more children.
Exterior view of CHOP Philadelphia Campus

Though we began with just 12 beds and a dispensary, our expansive footprint now includes 50+ Care Network locations, three hospital locations – including one devoted to behavioral health care – and over a dozen community hospital affiliations.

First established in 1922, our research facility has become one of the largest in the country, with 620,000 square feet of research space and more than 1,160 principal investigators.

From our humble beginnings, we’ve grown into one of largest, busiest and most advanced pediatric hospitals in the world, with 37K+ admissions and 1.7M visits annually.

On the horizon

Our buildings are specifically designed to encourage collaboration and innovation, supporting our continued growth as we expand access to care, advance research and fulfill our mission to improve the health of children everywhere.

Opening 2028

Roberts Children's Health

Hundreds of private inpatient rooms and enhanced diagnostic and treatment spaces on our Philadelphia Campus

Tackling today’s challenges for a brighter tomorrow

Since our founding, CHOP has been dedicated to serving the unmet needs of the Philadelphia community. Today, we’re collaboratively tackling the biggest challenges in pediatric healthcare, both in and outside our hospital walls, to create a brighter, healthier future for children.

We’ve made significant investments to meet the increasing need for pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare services, including opening two behavioral health facilities closer to home for our patient families. We turn advocacy into action with community-based programs that are empowering healthy families, stronger schools, thriving neighborhoods and successful businesses. We channel over a century of expertise to serve as a voice for all children, with a track record of contributing to high-impact legislative successes.

Together with legislators, educators, community leaders and families, we’re finding new solutions to catalyze real, substantive change and improve children’s lives. 

A Foundation of support

Our extraordinary legacy of scientific and clinical contributions to children’s health would not be possible without the generous support of our donors.

As a charitable, nonprofit hospital, CHOP‎ depends on philanthropy‎ to advance our mission and make a difference in the lives of children. Throughout our history, generous families, individuals, companies and foundations have made significant contributions to the‎ Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation.

From groundbreaking cures for chronic diseases to community services for the most vulnerable populations, philanthropy turns research into cures and transforms the lives of our patients – yesterday, today and for generations to come.

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