Editing Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia

'''Children's Hospital of Philadelphia''' (CHOP) is one of the nation's oldest and most respected pediatric hospitals, providing specialized care for children from throughout the world. Founded in 1855 as the first hospital in the United States devoted exclusively to children, CHOP has pioneered pediatric medicine while training generations of specialists and conducting research that has transformed child health. The hospital's main campus in University City operates alongside Penn Medicine while maintaining independent governance and mission.<ref name="chop">{{cite web |url=https://www.chop.edu/about |title=About CHOP |publisher=Children's Hospital of Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 by Dr. Francis West Lewis, making it the nation's first children's hospital. The founding reflected emerging understanding that children's medical needs differed from adults' and required specialized care. The original facility treated children from poor families who could not afford private physicians, combining charitable mission with medical innovation.<ref name="chop"/>

The hospital grew through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, developing specialized programs, expanding facilities, and building national reputation. Major milestones included pioneering work in pediatric surgery, development of childhood vaccines, and establishment of specialty programs in oncology, cardiology, and other fields. CHOP's research contributions have included breakthroughs in cancer treatment, fetal surgery, and gene therapy.<ref name="chop"/>

The current main campus in University City opened in 1974, adjacent to Penn Medicine's complex. This location enables collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania while maintaining CHOP's pediatric focus and independent governance. Subsequent expansion has added research facilities, outpatient buildings, and specialty centers that have made the campus a major pediatric medical center.<ref name="chop"/>

== Clinical Programs ==

CHOP provides comprehensive pediatric care spanning primary care through the most complex specialty services. Major programs include:

'''Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment''' - Pioneered fetal surgery, performing interventions on unborn children to correct defects before birth. This program, developed in collaboration with Penn Medicine obstetricians, has advanced understanding of fetal development while offering treatment options previously impossible.<ref name="chop"/>

'''Oncology''' - The Cancer Center treats children with leukemia, solid tumors, and other cancers using protocols that have dramatically improved survival rates over decades. Research conducted at CHOP has contributed to treatments used worldwide.<ref name="chop"/>

'''Cardiac Center''' - Provides care for children with congenital heart defects, including surgery, catheterization, and long-term management. The program's outcomes rank among the nation's best for complex cardiac conditions.<ref name="chop"/>

'''Division of Human Genetics''' - Studies genetic diseases affecting children, developing diagnostic capabilities and treatments for conditions ranging from rare syndromes to more common inherited disorders.<ref name="chop"/>

== Research ==

CHOP's Research Institute conducts extensive pediatric research, receiving hundreds of millions in annual funding from NIH and other sources. Research spans basic science investigation of childhood diseases through clinical trials testing new treatments. The hospital's research achievements have included development of the rotavirus vaccine, advances in gene therapy, and numerous other contributions to pediatric medicine.<ref name="chop"/>

The Gene Therapy Program has achieved notable successes including treatments for inherited retinal diseases that can restore vision in blind children. These breakthrough therapies, developed in collaboration with Penn Medicine researchers, represent translation of basic science into life-changing clinical applications. Ongoing research pursues gene therapies for additional conditions.<ref name="chop"/>

== Regional Network ==

CHOP has expanded beyond its main campus through specialty care centers and partnerships throughout the region. Locations in King of Prussia, Bucks County, and southern New Jersey provide specialty services closer to where families live. Primary care practices in multiple locations provide pediatric services while maintaining connections to CHOP's specialty expertise.<ref name="chop"/>

The hospital also provides services through partners at community hospitals, bringing CHOP expertise to facilities throughout the region. These arrangements enable children to receive care locally while accessing CHOP specialists for complex needs. The network extends CHOP's reach while generating patient referrals for services requiring main campus resources.<ref name="chop"/>

== See Also ==
* [[Penn Medicine]]
* [[Philadelphia Healthcare]]
* [[University City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Pediatric Medicine]]
* [[Medical Research]]

== References ==
<references />

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|title=Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Pediatric Medical Center
|description=Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is the nation's first and one of its most respected children's hospitals, providing specialized pediatric care, research, and training.
|keywords=Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, CHOP, pediatric hospital, children's health, fetal surgery, pediatric oncology, gene therapy, University City
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Healthcare]]
[[Category:Hospitals]]
[[Category:University City]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Medical Research]]