Celebrating a Century of Care

In 2025, Torrance Memorial Medical Center reaches a historic milestone with its 100th anniversary.

Torrance Memorial has grown from a local nonprofit hospital to a regional leader recognized as one of the top 3% of hospitals in the state. The first hospital in the South Bay has become the first choice in the region for expert care with state-of-the art facilities, expert multidisciplinary services and groundbreaking research.

Our progress is inspired by all of the pioneers, physicians, nurses, employees and volunteers who have given back to help us go forward.

Our founders, Jared and Helena Torrance, had a dream: to create a city that had businesses and services that could meet the growing needs of a community. They envisioned a hospital deeply rooted in improving the health of those living and working in this new community.

This vision laid the foundation for future generations of healthcare providers. The trailblazers who forged new paths, innovators who boldly led transformative change, philanthropists and community members whose generosity made a lasting impact, and leaders who guided us to become who we are today have all contributed to our success.

Who’ll be next to contribute to our culture of care and innovation?

Our researchers are leading clinical trials for promising new treatments. Others are working with the next generation of smart imaging technology to provide greater surgical precision and faster recovery times. Our leaders are preparing to guide us forward with future accreditations as an academic hospital, advancements in state-of-the-art AI diagnostics, and the continued expansion of our affiliation with Cedars-Sinai.

We are proud to be the first in the South Bay to serve and lead medical advancements and cutting-edge healthcare for our community over the next 100 years.

We’re just getting started.

Community Days - A Celebration

Rain failed to dampen attendance or enthusiasm for Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s centennial celebration. The Community Days event on April 26–27, held in Torrance Memorial’s temporary 16,000-square-foot tent, drew more than 2,500 participants who enjoyed interactive exhibits, health screenings, technology demonstrations and other attractions.

As they entered the space, guests admired historical items and displays describing key milestones in Torrance Memorial’s history. Philanthropist Jared Sidney Torrance envisioned the hospital, but it was his wife, Helena Childs Torrance, who made it a reality after her husband’s death.

Megan, a young mother, brought her 4-year-old daughter to the event. The child is interested in medicine and dressed as a physician wearing a lab coat. “This is a great hospital,” Megan said. “Both my children were born here.”

Sandra and Gene, seniors new to Torrance, came to learn more about the medical center and its physicians. At the Diabetes Outreach table, Sandra said, “My daughter has Type 1 diabetes, and although she has it under good control, it’s always helpful to get more information.”

Lines were long to obtain cholesterol and lipid panel tests, with results provided just 10 minutes after screening. At another station, visitors watched live ultrasounds of a young man’s carotid artery and abdominal organs. A stuffed animal repair station offered “treatment” for the toys’ boo-boos, and a crafts table provided additional activities for young visitors.

Pet therapy dogs and their handlers circulated among the participants, bringing joyful reactions from children and adults alike. Volunteer Marti Nordskot, accompanied by her tricolored Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Violet, often takes the dog to the infusion center. “Most patients love dogs and appreciate the visit,” she said.

Participant Barb Mensinger received good results from her thyroid and blood testing and was pleased to learn that her cholesterol levels had dropped 20 points since her medical visit two months earlier. She also appreciated speaking to representatives of Torrance Memorial Physician Network, as she is considering switching from her current insurance. As she left the event, Mensinger said, “I love the festive atmosphere and the fact that all ages are here. I picked up lots of swag and had a lot of fun.”

Looking Back

The occasion prompted Torrance Memorial staff to share recollections. Laura Schenasi, Torrance Memorial Foundation’s executive vice president, has seen financial contributions increase each of her 24 years here. “We have an incredibly supportive community, including major philanthropists like Melanie and Richard Lundquist, Priscilla Hunt, Mary Tu, and Allen Alpay, who have so generously given to our institution. They recognize the excellence of our doctors, nurses, staff and environment. And where else can their donations impact over a million lives?”

Heidi Assigal has seen significant growth during her 13 years as senior vice president. She’s proud of the availability of Torrance Memorial Physician Network physicians and services in outpatient settings and the expansion of service lines including cardiology, cancer and neurosciences.

“One of my best memories is the opening of the Hunt Cancer Center in 2019,” Assigal says. “It was so gratifying to bring an off-campus facility here and expand its features and services. Our patients were so excited about the new, beautiful facility. And when the pandemic hit only a few weeks later, the center met all requirements.”

Looking Ahead

Torrance Memorial Medical Center—originally called the Jared Sidney Torrance Hospital—opened in May 1925 with 25 beds. It has become a world-class, 610-bed medical center recognized as a Best Hospital by U.S. News & World Report for 14 consecutive years. Always striving to provide the latest, most comprehensive services to the community, Torrance Memorial is undergoing a $75 million emergency department expansion to double its current capacity. Given the spirit of the community and those who work at Torrance Memorial today, the next century promises to bring additional and currently undreamed-of medical advances to the South Bay and beyond.

Then and Now

1925

Jared Sidney Torrance Hospital

25 beds

Torrance population: less than 7,000

Basic X-rays

Basic abdominal surgery

No antibiotics

No chemotherapy

 

2025

Torrance Memorial Medical Center

610 beds

Torrance population: 139,224 in 2023

Interventional radiology; biplane imaging

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement; da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery

Clinical trials

Immunotherapy