The Curtis National Hand Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

Pioneering new levels of care at the Curtis National Hand Center

The Curtis National Hand Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital is the largest hand center in the nation, where 14 surgeons, a prominent fellowship program, and a growing research division continually shape and define excellence in hand and upper extremity care. The hand center treats over 25,000 patients annually, including over 1,800 with traumatic hand injuries.

The Curtis National Hand Center has made great progress in uplifting our academic visibility, broadening our surgical capability, and building a research platform that will have a profound impact on our subspecialty. The global slowdown that accompanied the pandemic has not caused us to lose sight of our trajectory toward even higher excellence. We have completed the initial plans to fully renovate the second-floor clinical area of our hand center. Completely transforming this space, our leading-edge design will incorporate industry-proven features that result in better patient outcomes, higher associate and patient satisfaction, and achievements postured for advancing this medical subspecialty.

The proposed new design will incorporate:

• Improved patient flow
• Better teaching oversight of civilian and military fellows
• Larger, well-appointed patient and family area
• Evaluation rooms designed for adults and children
• More efficient workspaces that utilize x-ray, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy equipment
• Bright, open common spaces that feature comfortable furniture and relaxing art

Through philanthropic partnerships with like-minded grateful patients, families, community members, and organizations, we will be able to gain the necessary support to convert this ambitious vision into a reality.

Giving back

The Curtis National Hand Center has a long-standing history of providing clinical excellence and compassionate care, and through the generosity and support of our community, our legacy continues. Your gifts, large and small, are used to advance and improve the quality of care patients receive at the center, and allow us to continue leading our specialty as pioneers in hand and upper extremity surgery. Whether you are a past fellow or a past patient, there are many ways of giving.

Contributions can be made to the Dorothy Scott International Mission Fund or the E.F. Shaw Wilgis Educational Fund. For information about giving online or by mail, please see the individual fund pages by clicking on the names above.

If you are considering a contribution or would like to make a planned gift but are unsure of the best option for you and your family, or have any other questions about supporting our work, please call Cynthia Johnson at 410-554-4563 or our Foundation office at 410-554-2662. We look forward to talking with you about giving opportunities at The Curtis National Hand Center.