Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children was established in 1921 when a group of Texas Masons approached Dallas’ first orthopedic surgeon, Dr. W. B. Carrell, about caring for children with polio, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. With the introduction of the Salk and Sabin vaccines in the mid-1950s, which virtually eradicated polio in the Western Hemisphere, the hospital broadened its focus to other orthopedic conditions.
Conditions We Treat
Today, Scottish Rite Hospital treats children with orthopedic conditions, sports injuries and fractures, as well as certain related arthritic and neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia.
Patients receive treatment regardless of the family’s ability to pay.
As one of the nation’s leading pediatric orthopedic centers, the hospital has treated more than 275,000 children since its inception, with more than 35,000 clinic visits each year. Scottish Rite Hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach to care, tailoring treatment to the individual needs of each child.
The hospital is a world-renowned leader in the field of pediatric orthopedics. Through its pioneering research and extensive education programs, the hospital’s work informs and enlightens researchers and physicians around the globe. In this way, the hospital’s contributions improve the care of children worldwide.
Centers for Excellence
The hospital concentrates its pediatric orthopedic research, education and treatment endeavors through its six Centers for Excellence. Those centers address the broad range of pediatric orthopedic conditions including those that affect the spine, hip, hand and foot as well as limblength discrepancies and sports medicine.
Pediatric Neurological Disorders, Neuromuscular Diseases and Developmental Disabilities
Orthopedic condition can often be related to another condition or underlying disorder. Therefore, the hospital offers care through specialized clinics to patients with conditions that include cerebral palsy, motor disorders, spina bifida and certain genetic conditions that present orthopedic issues.
In-house Orthotics and Prosthetics Department
The hospital is one the few in the country to have its own in-house departments dedicated to children in need of an orthosis (brace) or prosthesies (artificial limb). Each such medical device is custom-measured and fabricated on-site to ensure that the unique needs of each patient are met.
Learning Disorders
The Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders was founded by Dr. Luke Waites, who in 1965 established a program at the hospital to identify and treat children with learning disorders, primarily dyslexia. In 1968, the World Federation of Neurology met at Scottish Rite Hospital, where the first consensus definition of developmental dyslexia was developed. The center is internationally recognized and has produced an award-winning educational curriculum that is used in schools throughout the world.
Hospital Leadership
The staff of the hospital is comprised of more than 900 highly skilled and dedicated physicians, nurses, therapists, teachers, administrators and support staff. More than 800 volunteers play an integral role in the hospital’s daily operations, including their service to patients and families. This special group of hospital staff and volunteers is supported by a 74-member board of trustees comprised entirely of members representing the Texas Scottish Rite Order of Freemasonry.
Hospital Support
As a nonprofit organization, the hospital relies upon the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations committed to supporting the hospital. Since its founding in 1921, the hospital has benefited from the support of Scottish Rite Masons throughout Texas – both individually and through lodge fundraising activities. However, no portion of dues paid by any Masonic Order are allocated to the hospital.
Future Frisco Campus
In the fall of 2018, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children will open an Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco, Texas. This leading edge medical facility will provide expert care to young athletes throughout the region. It will also offer a state-of-the-art movement science lab, a fracture clinic, general orthopedic services and physical therapy.
The Frisco location marks the hospital’s first-ever constructed satellite facility. It will offer an internationally recognized level of pediatric orthopedic care to patients in one of the most rapidly growing areas of the country.
The Mission Continues
Scottish Rite Hospital pursues its mission of giving children back their childhood, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. The ongoing support of Masons and other hospital friends helps ensure that the hospital’s world–renowned pediatric orthopedic education, research and treatment will benefit children locally and globally for years to come.
In 2016, Scottish Rite Hospital received patient referrals from more than 70 percent of Texas counties. During that period, outpatient clinic visits totaled more than 35,000. For more information, to volunteer, or to make a donation, please call (214-) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit https://scottishriteforchildren.org/
