Wondering about the story behind this modern medical giant? This is St. Luke’s International Hospital. It is more than just a hospital. St. Luke’s International Hospital is a testament to compassion and cutting-edge care.
First opened in 1902, St. Luke’s International Hospital began as a modest medical mission. The Episcopal Church in the United States founded it. Imagine a small wooden building with just two wards and five rooms. That was the humble start of St. Luke’s International Hospital.
Dr. Rudolf Teusler, a missionary physician from Georgia, transformed St. Luke’s. He arrived in Japan in 1900. With Iyo Araki, Superintendent of Nurses, he built the largest modern medical facility in Japan. Teusler focused on child health and public hygiene.
The 1923 Great Kanto earthquake nearly destroyed St. Luke’s International Hospital. Fundraising was already underway for new buildings. Generous donors helped rebuild it quickly. The Rockefeller Foundation supported a public health institute. In 1927, St. Luke’s College of Nursing became Japan’s first nursing college.
During World War II, St. Luke’s International Hospital remained open. Forty doctors and 130 nurses stayed at their posts. After the war, the United States Army requisitioned the hospital for eleven years. It became the 49th Army General Hospital. St. Luke’s continued serving the Japanese community from rented barracks.
Over the years, St. Luke’s International Hospital has expanded. Its facilities have been continually upgraded. It remains in the same Tsukiji area of central Tokyo. The hospital maintains strong ties with the Anglican Church in Japan. The chapel, designed by John Van Wie Bergamini, is one of Tokyo’s few original Anglican structures.
Today, St. Luke’s International Hospital is a large general hospital. It serves Tokyo and is a teaching facility for medical professionals. The hospital has 539 beds. It sees 2,550 outpatients daily on average. St. Luke’s offers a wide range of departments. These include internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, and emergency care.
St. Luke’s International Hospital consistently ranks among Japan’s top hospitals. It is recognized for its medical residencies. In 2003, St. Luke’s was the first in Japan to use UpToDate. Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara and Dr. Burton Rose introduced this resource to Japanese physicians.
The hospital is accredited by Joint Commission International. This reflects its commitment to quality and patient safety. St. Luke’s uses a Quality Index system to improve its services. The hospital is well-equipped with advanced technology. This includes PET/CT scanners, MRI, and robotic surgery systems.
As you stand here, consider the dedication of St. Luke’s. From its humble beginnings to its current status, it embodies Christian love and advanced medical care. St. Luke’s International Hospital continues to evolve. It provides high-quality healthcare and earns the trust of its patients.