History in the Making

Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center celebrates the past while looking to the future.

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Providence Tarzana Medical Center campus prior to construction of the lobby and new patient tower

In 1973 a first-class postage stamp was 8 cents, and you could buy a new car for $3,200. The first cell phone call was made, and walkie-talkies were popular holiday gifts.

Over the past 50 years, so much has changed. But one constant is the quality, leading-edge care at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, which is celebrating its golden anniversary this year with great anticipation for its exciting future.

“For 50 years, we’ve had the honor of serving the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities for everything from a child’s broken arm to a beloved grandparent’s COVID-19,” says Nick Lymberopoulos, the hospital’s chief executive. “We’ve delivered generations of babies and are profoundly grateful for the trust families place in our doctors and caregivers. Now we look forward to treating our patients with world-class care at our new, reimagined campus—close to home.”

In 2008 Providence acquired the hospital from Tenet Health. As a Catholic organization, its mission was to offer compassionate care and meaningful outreach to everyone, including the poor and the vulnerable. The new hospital quickly established itself as a health care leader—one recognized for outstanding specialty care and shared expertise.

Today the medical center’s goal is seamless care through its state-of-the-art interactive electronic health records system, where providers can monitor patients’ progress, check prescriptions and oversee follow-up. This commitment to quality patient care resulted in Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana being named a top regional hospital by U.S. News & World Report and being recognized among California’s top 50 hospitals.

“Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana is a trusted health partner the community has relied on for generations.”

Throughout 2023 the medical center will celebrate its history and look ahead to Tarzana Reimagined—a 10-year project that wouldn’t be possible without benevolent donors. “The community built our hospital, and our caregivers have made it their second home,” says Lymberopoulos. “Because of their exceptional work, we’re poised to become a destination hospital.”

Tarzana Medical Center campus in the early years

Partnered with the famed Cedars-Sinai since 2019, Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center will open the progressive Friese Family Patient Tower this fall as part of a $750 million expansion and renovation of its campus. The tower was made possible by a generous donation from philanthropists Donald and Andrea Friese and their family. It will feature all-private rooms and the latest in sustainable, energy-efficient design.

The campus will gain cutting-edge technology upgrades, breakthrough treatments, healing green space and an updated emergency department that will nearly double in size. Over the decades, the medical center’s emergency staff has saved many lives, set countless broken bones, and successfully treated the critically ill and injured. The ER is certified as both a stroke center and a STEMI center for those suffering the most severe heart attacks.

“Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana is a trusted health partner the community has relied on for generations,” says Eric Snyder, MD, medical director of emergency services. “Our staff is exemplary, ensuring quick care and diagnostics to improve patient outcomes while offering compassion. They know how frightening a health emergency can be for both patients and their loved ones.”

Oftentimes a visit to the ER results in a hospital stay, and there’s no place more committed to caring for the whole person—body, mind and spirit—for as long as a patient needs that care. The staff and medical team of Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana respect patients’ individuality, preferences and culture. Loved ones are welcome to be involved in each patient’s care, if desired.

“We believe the key to great patient care is to listen and to fully communicate the plan of care,” Lymberopoulos says.

As Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana celebrates a half-century of service to the San Fernando Valley community and continues to claim its place as a trailblazer in both technology and compassion, its outstanding achievements will no doubt continue into the next 50 years.