History
Although the idea of a new hospital in Shreveport, associated with a group of physicians, had been a dream of Dr. J.A. Hendrick since 1915, his vision was not realized until June, 1917, when the new Highland Sanitarium opened its doors at 1006 Highland Avenue in Shreveport, Louisiana. The nucleus of physicians who were to form the Highland Clinic included Drs. H.J. Parsons, T.P. Lloyd, Bannerman, Prothro, C.P. Rutledge, Barron Johns, and R.G. Douglass, in addition to Dr. Hendrick. Most of these were experienced in general practice, with an interest or training in some particular area of medicine. As the number increased, so did the level of postgraduate training. A nursing school began as part of the hospital when it opened.
The early years of the hospital and its physicians were difficult because of World War I and the depression. However, in the late 1930’s and 1940’s business improved and required further additions to the hospital and the clinic personnel. An unforeseen setback occurred in 1937 with the death of Dr. J.A. Hendrick, and this resulted in Dr. John Hendrick leaving his residency at the Mayo Clinic early to take over the leadership of the hospital. He was able to recruit some well-trained physicians who once again brought good times and increased expectations. The Highland Hospital had an active internship during these years, and among the interns were Drs. Edgar Hull, Clarence Webb, W.H. Carroll, Burt Trichel, to name only a few. However, the good times and growth were put on hold by World War II as a number of physicians were called to active duty in the military.
After the war, things improved for the Highland, though the hospital lost its internship during this period. Business was good and continued growth required an increase in the hospital and clinic facilities. The nursing school at the hospital closed about 1951.
During the early years of the hospital there was a loose association of physicians which organized itself as a clinic. During these years it was difficult to grow or do constructive things because any vote for change had to be unanimous. In 1950, there were only ten partners in the Highland Clinic. From the late 1940’s to 1970’s, the clinic continued to add physicians in various specialties, and all the additions were fully trained as specialtists. In the early 50’s, E. Crawford, B. Trichel, J. Gosslee, and C. Knight were added.
The organization of physicians as a clinic has continued until today, probably in part because it has been a satisfactory way to provide medical care, and also because a number of the physicians were trained in a clinic setting. These included Drs. J.A. Hendrick, T. B. Tooke, M.W. Matthews, C. Knight, Sr., Robert Hendrick, John and Judd Chidlow, and C. Knight, Jr., all trained at the Mayo Clinic. John Gosslee trained at the Ochsner Clinic.
As the clinic and hospital thrived, a number of the physicians continued to allot time for teaching at the Confederate memorial Medical Center (CMMC), which opened in 1953. This activity was natural since several of the old timers had trained at the Shreveport Charity Hospital, the forerunner of the CMMC. Dr. Dean Duncan, one of the early Highland Partners, was chief of the psychiatric services there in the 1940’s. Many of the young Clinic physicians had trained at the CMMC and were lured to the Highland because some of their teachers were here. Drs. Trichel, Knight, and Goodman were all department chiefs prior to LSU taking over the CMMC and the V.A. Hospital. Many of the Clinic members have continued to play an active role in the teaching programs in the school.
By 1954, physicians called to active duty during the Korean War returned to the Clinic, and the Clinic added a number of new physicians as the Clinic and hospital prospered. Not all of the new Clinic physicians remained, as several elected to practice alone or with a single specialty group or get further training.
Around 1970, a major change occurred in the Clinic, because for the first time physicians were able to “incorporate”, and the Clinic proceeded to make this move. At this same time, the decision was made to separate the Clinic physically from the hospital. This was done in 1970 when the Clinic moved into a three-story building at 1035 Creswell St., a short walk frm the back of the hospital. This building was built and financed by the Clinic physicians. At the time of this move, the Clinic was composed of 24 physicians.
In 1977, Hospital Affliliates (HAI) bought the hospital from the Hendrick family. In 1982, the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) bought the hospital from HAI and the Clinic physicians continued to work primarily in this hospital. In 1982, the Clinic opened its first satellite office in a building on Youree Drive in south Shreveport. This facility, which was purchased by the Clinic, housed two pediatricians, two internists, and one allergist. In 1984, the Clinic opened a second small (one-family practice physician) satellite office in a leased building on North Market Street and later a third facility in southwest Shreveport manned by internists and family practice physicians.
This satellite expansion by the Clinic was sparked by another initiative by the physicians in 1982 when they decided to develop a partnership with CIGNA Healthplan, Inc., a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), to bring the first managed care company to Shreveport. This proved to be a sound business decision for a number of years, because CIGNA gave the Clinic access to 20,000 patients and formed a fruitful partnership with the Clinic for several years. The healthplan here was given superior achievement awards by CIGNA in 1989 and 1990. The Clinic discontinued its partnership with CIGNA in 1991 but continued to see CIGNA patients.
The Clinic did well in its Creswell location and added physicians and space. However, the Clinic and hospital were landlocked and about 1986 the Clinic persuaded the executives of HCA to consider moving the Clinic and hospital to south Shreveport. This was accomplished in 1988 in a new structure at 1455 E. Bert Kouns and the Clinic physicians were once again in the same physical structure as the hospital. At the time of the move to south Shreveport, the Clinic had 36 physicians. Early after the move the Clinic lost some physicians because the increased number was excessive for the initial business available. However, the location brought new business and in 1994 Columbia bought HCA and both organizations thrived. In 1992, construction was completed on the Highland Center for Orthopaedics adjacent to the main Clinic building. This Center includes a fitness center and physical therapy, in addition to offices in the Orthopaedic Department. The third floor was added in 1996 for the Internal Medicine Department including a laboratory for patient convenience. January 1, 1997, the Clinic had 48 employed physicians and it was interesting to note that since 1986 the number of physicians increased by 33% and the revenue 100%. All satellite operations were closed around 1988.
In the mid 1990’s Columbia encountered some difficulties with the government and subsequently returned the hospital to HCA management and control. In 1998 Columbia/HCA sold the hospital to Christus Schumpert. Once again, the Clinic faced new challenges but continued to grow and do well. At year’s end 2001 the Clinic had 38 physicians and continued to plan for a productive future.
In 2002, Mid South Orthopaedics at 1500 Line Avenue joined Highland Clinic. Mid South Orthopaedics included 9 orthopaedic surgeons. They maintained their Line Avenue location until 2005 when they relocated to 7925 Youree Drive, Portico Plaza.
Highland Clinic added a new specialty, Pediatric Ophthalmology, in 2003 to treat patients at 1449 E. Bert Kouns.
Highland Clinic continued to assess the needs of healthcare and welcomed The Women’s Clinic located at 910 Olive Street in 2004. The Women’s Clinic consisted of three physicians. They relocated in 2005 to Highland Clinic’s main campus.
Highland Clinic of 2006 consists of 50 physicians and 20 specialties.
One cannot review the history of Highland Clinic without realizing that it has always been closely allied with the Highland Hospital and good times and bad times have been shared by both. This affliation assists us in reaching our mission to exceed public expectations for comprehensive, convenient and quality health care for all generations.
