Tufts Medical Center’s rich history is marked not only by its Boston roots and loyal support of the city’s sports teams, but also by a legacy of medical innovation and community service. More than 200 years ago, the foundation of our institution was laid by a group of civic-minded Bostonians, including American patriots Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, who recognized the urgent need for accessible healthcare. In 1796, they established the Boston Dispensary, one of the first facilities in the nation dedicated to providing medical care for the city's poor.
The Boston Dispensary quickly became a trailblazer in American medicine. It founded the first medical, dental and lung clinics in the United States. By 1918, it had expanded its pioneering efforts to include the first evening clinic and introduced groundbreaking programs in well-child care, preventive medicine and nutrition. Other firsts include a diagnostic test for syphilis, the first preparation of human growth hormone and coining the term “immunosuppression” as a foundation to the development of modern organ transplantation. These early milestones exemplify a deep and enduring commitment to healthcare innovation, health equity and public service—values that continue to shape Tufts Medical Center today.
