The origins of Pratt Medical Center date back to 1936 when five primary care physicians, each of whom were practicing independently in Fredericksburg, came together. The driving force behind what was then a bold new initiative was Dr. Frank Pratt who had the foresight to realize that his patients would be better served by a group practice than by physicians practicing alone. Together, he believed, a group could provide access to more advanced diagnostic equipment, including laboratory and x-ray facilities and that patient care would be enhanced by the ability of the physicians to easily consult with each other.
In 1937, Dr. Pratt and his four colleagues renovated and opened their new practice in an old frame building that stood at the corner of Prince Edward and Lewis streets in downtown Fredericksburg. They named their new practice the Fredericksburg Medical Center.
In 1949 Dr. Pratt retired and it was during that same year that his colleagues honored him and his vision by changing the name of the organization to the Pratt Clinic.
During the 50's and 60's as the number of patients affiliated with Pratt continued to grow more physicians and specialties were added to Pratt's ranks and in 1967, facing continued growth and the need for new and larger facilities, Pratt moved to its new site at 1701 Fall Hill Avenue here in Fredericksburg.
Pratt subsequently changed its name to the Pratt Medical Center and today is the oldest and largest multi-specialty group practice serving the area. The practice has now grown to include more than 50 board certified/eligible physicians and physician extenders serving patients in multiple locations throughout the Fredericksburg region. Pratt's specialties now include family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, general and vascular surgery, ENT, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics and sports medicine, and nutritional counseling. The broad array of its specialties facilitates consultations, referral and second opinions for patients. Extensive laboratory, radiology and other ancillary testing are also available at Pratt facilities. Current services include mammograms, ultra-sound, EKG, holter monitoring, stress tests, echocardiography, and fetal monitoring.
Pratt physicians continue to take the lead in providing access to quality medical care through their commitment to improve the health status of our community and the region. To demonstrate this commitment Pratt has expanded its days and hours to offer its primary care patients access to appointments during the evening and on weekends while adding state of art medical technology. Pratt has also added nurse practitioners and physician assistants to it professional staff to further enhance access to its services.
Pratt also offers a CorpHEALTH™ Department which provides medical services to the region's employers and their employees, including pre-placement physicals, and laboratory screenings, wellness programs, and worker compensation management.
As the Fredericksburg region grows, Pratt Medical Center remains committed to continuing its growth to meet the region's needs while maintaining its status as a leader and innovator in the provision of both in and out-patient physician services.
We know that you have a choice of healthcare providers and thank-you for choosing the Pratt Medical Center to serve you and your family!
