USC medical center emergency room renamed

Doctors and medical professionals gathered at the L.A. County and USC Medical Center Thursday to celebrate the renaming of the facility’s emergency room.

The emergency room was renamed the Gail Anderson M.D. Department of Emergency Medicine, in recognition of the former chair of the Keck School of Medicine. 

Doctors called him the “father of emergency medicine,” referencing his accomplishments in developing the first academic department in emergency care in the nation.

“He’s the father of emergency medicine,” said Pete Delgado, the Chief Executive Officer of the medical center.  “He’s Mr. Emergency Medicine.  He’s the pioneer of international emergency medicine.”

Anderson pioneered the emergency care program in the Keck School of Medicine, and petitioned to establish an entire department dedicated to the field.  Prior, he served as the Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the medical center. 

“He set the standard,” said Stephanie Hall, Chief Medical Officer at the L.A. County and USC medical center.

Family and friends spoke of his wisdom and vision for the department.  Colleagues told personal anecdotes dating back to the eighties, calling him a mentor and emphasizing his generosity, care, and encouraging attitude.

“There’s been no doctor I’ve known that’s done any better than giving 110 percent in taking care of the patients under his care,” said Phil Manning, emeritus professor of the Keck School of Medicine, and moderator of Thursday’s celebrations.  “There’s no doubt about it.  You’ve done it.  You did it.”