News

Doctors Hospital of Laredo (DHL) received a 50-year tenure award from the Texas Hospital Association (THA) on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Mr. Corey Cotton, VP of Member Solutions and Member Ambassador with the Texas Hospital Association, presented the tenure award to Mr. Andrew Wilson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Doctors Hospital, surrounded by hospital team members, the Board of Governors and physicians.

“The Texas Hospital Association remains steadfast in its mission to be the unified advocacy voice that represents the needs of Texas hospitals,” stated John Hawkins, THA President/CEO. “Our work would not be possible without the long-standing support of hospital members like Doctors Hospital of Laredo, which have entrusted us with advocating on their behalf for 50 years. Thank you and congratulations on this impressive member milestone.”

After receiving the THA award, Doctors Hospital also honored the one and only employee who celebrates 50 years of service this year. Hospital administrators surprised loyal team member Amelia Garza, Supply Chain Supervisor, with a special award, flowers and gift for her loyalty and dedication at DHL. “We congratulate Ms. Garza for reaching this incredible milestone with us,” stated Andrew Wilson, CEO. “Her legacy is truly inspirational! We are thrilled to have her on our team and we will continue to celebrate our 50-year anniversary with her.”

Hospital history

Doctors Hospital of Laredo was opened in May 1974 by a group of physicians. The facility was located at 500 E. Mann Road. Their vision has resulted in years of growth, development and evolution. “We are so grateful to the doctors who have been here since the beginning. We continue to collaborate with the physicians who have been here for many years. They brought their vision to the table and it has grown and expanded into what Doctors Hospital is today. This year, we celebrate 50 years of caring for our community,” said Wilson.

Several developments occurred during the late 1970s at the Mann Road facility, including the addition of an emergency department. In the 1980s, a women’s wing was added along with pediatrics and a neonatal intensive care unit. An important milestone for the hospital occurred in 1987 when the first cancer treatment center opened. As time passed, more specialized physicians were recruited, hospital departments expanded, employees were hired and the hospital experienced company ownership changes.

In June 1999, a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc., in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, became the hospital’s eighth owner. In October 1999, construction of the new Doctors Hospital began. The hospital officially opened to the public at its current location on McPherson Road on August 18, 2001.

When the new facility opened in 2001, it was surrounded by ranch land. Today, it is in a fast-growing, modern area of the city, surrounded by commercial, retail and residential developments. Doctors Hospital continues to keep pace with our growing community. Millions of dollars have been invested to add and expand medical services for Laredo so our team can provide high-quality care to our community.

From the move in 2001 to today, Doctors Hospital has continued to expand medical services, recruit physician specialties, earn accreditations and awards, invest in modern technology and expand the community footprint. Some of the developments in that time span have included the opening of the wound healing center, addition of a second catheterization lab, expansion of the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center, ER renovation project, Providence Health Center OR renovation project, opening of two freestanding ERs and establishment of clinics and centers that are part of our network of care. Service-line developments include open-heart surgery, a neuroscience program, robotic surgery, orthopedic surgery, urology, women’s services, cancer care and others.

Learn more about Doctors Hospital of Laredo →

Growing with the community

Over the next 15 to 20 years, the city of Laredo is expected to double in population size. In preparation for this growth, Doctors Hospital of Laredo continues to invest in its infrastructure, enhance its service lines and improve the quality of care provided to this community.

The hospital is steadfast in its commitment to service excellence and patient satisfaction. As Laredo grows, Doctors Hospital continues to grow alongside the great city, providing patients with the healthcare they need when and where they need it most. Through its “Network of Care,” Doctors Hospital operates one clinic, three diagnostic centers and two freestanding emergency rooms conveniently located across the community. The clinics, diagnostic centers and freestanding ERs include South Laredo Diagnostic Center (south), Providence Health Center (northwest), Nueva Vida Maternity Clinic (central heights), North Laredo Diagnostic and Therapy Center, Doctors Hospital Emergency Room South and Doctors Hospital ER Saunders (central). These clinics and centers offer a variety of services accessible and convenient for patients.

Coming at the end of 2024, Doctors Hospital will open its third freestanding emergency department, Doctors Hospital Emergency Room Wright Ranch, a Service of Doctors Hospital of Laredo. The 11,500-square-foot facility will provide much needed additional 24-hour emergency medical services to southeast Laredo. ER Wright Ranch will feature six exam rooms, one multi-patient treatment room, one trauma room and waiting areas.

“Providing quality healthcare, advanced technology and a caring staff are all important parts of what makes Doctors Hospital so special,” said Wilson. “As our community continues to grow, know that you can continue to rely on Doctors Hospital to play a key role in the health of the community. I am proud to be part of that mission and this special 50-year anniversary. Together, we are prepared for whatever new challenges await. We are grateful for the continued support from our Healthcare Heroes (medical staff, employees, patients) and community for their loyalty and support. We look forward to many more years of continued growth and development at Doctors Hospital.”

About THA

Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and healthcare systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85 percent of the state’s acute-care hospitals and healthcare systems, which employ more than 400,000 healthcare professionals statewide.