On the eve of the 125th anniversary of the start of construction on the Baroness Erlanger Hospital, Erlanger Health System welcomed a visit from Rebecca d’Erlanger, the great-great-great granddaughter of the Baron Frederic Emile d’Erlanger. Baron d’Erlanger presented the city of Chattanooga with $5,000 to establish the city’s first hospital, and the cornerstone ceremony was held on Aug. 20, 1891.
Ms. d'Erlanger, known as Becky to friends and family, traveled “across the pond” last month to serve as a volunteer at Erlanger for two weeks.
At age 21, Ms. d'Erlanger is a student at University of Exeter in England. She is a biology major who is interested in a pursuing a medical career. During her time at Erlanger, she has shadowed several physicians, observed some surgical procedures, and has explored the health system that bears her family’s name.
“It is amazing that my great-great-great grandfather’s gift of $5,000 to start a hospital in Chattanooga has made such a big impact over the last 125 years,” Ms. d'Erlanger said.