Shriners Children’s is a unique pediatric healthcare system with a reputation for finding answers and giving families hope. Since opening our first hospital in 1922, it has been our mission to provide innovative, high-quality comprehensive care, conduct research to advance medical care options, and provide educational opportunities for physicians and other healthcare professionals.
We are proud of our century of care, and invite you to learn more about our rich history of providing hope and healing.
The Patient Alumni Network was formed in 2022 as part of our 100th Anniversary celebration. The goal of the network is to connect former patients with each other and provide opportunities for them to share their stories and accomplishments with other patients, Shriners, donors and the public.
Our dedicated staff are the heart and soul of all we do, each and every day, at Shriners Children's. Learn more about what makes our healthcare system so special from the dedicated people who consider it a privilege to care and provide support for our patients and their families.
As Shriners Children's celebrates a century of providing specialty pediatric care, the fraternity that supports our healthcare system is enjoying its 150th anniversary. Meet some of the members of Shriners International, and learn more about what they do to advance our mission.
When you’re caring for each child that comes through the door as an individual with unique challenges and goals, and providing the care that specific child needs to live their best life, there is nothing more special.
Launched in 2017, the Shriners Children’s Genomics Institute is working diligently to sequence 5,000 genomes each year, using what we learn about genetics, to improve the personalized care we provide and the quality of life for children. We’re taking significant steps toward providing families and patients next-generation DNA sequencing by offering it at our locations throughout North America.
Shriners Children’s takes steps to reduce the radiation exposure of X-rays. For many of the radiographic images (X-rays) we take, we use EOS imaging, which provides front and side images that can deliver more precise measurements and views, while limiting the X-ray dose absorbed by the patient. We have the largest number of EOS imaging systems of any healthcare organization.
POPS designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children. POPS is onsite at every Shriners Children's location in the U.S., which allows us to work together to best evaluate a child's needs. POPS’ experienced, accredited orthotists and prosthetists create a custom device that's the most effective and least restrictive for a child, quickly and efficiently.
Shriners Children's has contributed to most of the significant advancements in burn care since we began treating burns in the 1960s. We’ve set many of the standards for pediatric burn care, and draw on our own pioneering work when we treat a child for a burn, which can include wound care, scar management and reconstructive surgeries.
In the 1980s, Shriners Children's identified a need in pediatric rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and established the first spinal cord injury unit in the United States developed specifically for children. Now internationally known for our expertise in pediatric spine and spinal cord care, we provide a full spectrum of care to support children physically and emotionally.
Despite facial clefts being one of the most common birth defects in the U.S., comprehensive care for patients with cleft lip and/or cleft palate can be difficult to find. Shriners Children's is proud to offer advanced, internationally recognized craniofacial care, and is committed to improving care for these conditions through a coordinated program of clinical excellence, teaching and research, led by our board-certified plastic surgeons.
Shriners Children's specializes in the application of Mehta casts – a non-invasive option to treat the curvature of the spine in children diagnosed with infantile scoliosis, typically between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Mehta casts slowly straighten the patient’s spine further using a series of casts. During application, pressure is placed on the cast, causing the spine to straighten. When the cast hardens, it holds the spine in this position.
Shriners Children's is a leader in anterior vertebral body tethering, an alternative, less invasive treatment to spinal fusion for patients with scoliosis who are still growing and need surgery. The Tether™ uses a strong, flexible cord attached to the spine to permanently straighten it using a child’s own growth process, rather than being fixed in place with stiff metal rods.
Shriners and guests at the first hospital cornerstone ceremony in Shreveport, Louisiana
Our first hospital, in Shreveport, Louisiana
Lesson time in the hospital classroom
It's all laughs and smiles for these two
A mom visiting her child in the nursery in the 1980s
One of our early hospitals in 1929 with nursing staff and patients enjoying the outdoors
Patient room with "modern" medical equipment of the time
Two members of Shriners International, the founding fraternity, visit patients in the hospital
Three friends making memories
Shirley Temple visits a hospital
Women's Auxiliary members creating Christmas gifts for the kids
A little Vitamin D never hurts
Patient prepares for therapy for spinal cord injury
Lower dose orthopedic imaging for the safety of our patients
It's all smiles for a nurse and one of our orthopedic patients
Findings at Genomics Institute elevate personalized care and quality of life for children
Special bonds, sometimes lasting a lifetime, are frequent at Shriners Children's
A happy patient awaits cleft lip and palate surgery
