Editing Einstein Medical Center (section)

== History ==

The Jewish Hospital Association of Philadelphia founded the institution in 1866 to serve Jewish patients who faced discrimination at other hospitals and sought care consistent with religious practices. The hospital developed alongside the Jewish community, expanding facilities and services while serving as a focus for Jewish philanthropy. For decades, the hospital maintained its ethnic character while treating patients of all backgrounds.<ref name="einstein"/>

The hospital was renamed for Albert Einstein in 1952, the world-famous physicist having consented to use of his name. By this time, the institution had evolved from an ethnic hospital into a community teaching hospital serving North Philadelphia regardless of patients' religious backgrounds. Medical education programs, research, and specialty services developed alongside community health functions.<ref name="einstein"/>

Einstein Healthcare Network grew to include multiple hospitals and facilities throughout the region. Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia remained the flagship while satellite facilities in Elkins Park and Montgomery County extended reach into suburbs. A strong primary care network served populations who relied on Einstein as their healthcare home rather than simply an acute care provider.<ref name="einstein"/>

Financial challenges plagued Einstein in recent decades despite its essential community role. The hospital's payer mix—high proportions of Medicaid and uninsured patients—generated insufficient revenue to cover costs and invest in facilities. Various strategies attempted to address structural challenges, but the fundamental economics of serving poor communities made independent operation increasingly difficult.<ref name="einstein"/>