Tufts MC Department of Medicine

Our History

Along with its history of rooting for Boston sports teams, Tufts Medical Center has had a number of medical firsts. More than 200 years ago, the roots of our Medical Center were planted by several compassionate Bostonians, including American patriots, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere. In 1796, these public-minded individuals founded the Boston Dispensary, a facility dedicated to the care of the poor. Between 1856-1899, the Dispensary established the first medical clinic, the first dental clinic, and the first lung clinic in the United States. By 1918, the Dispensary had created the first evening pay clinic, a well-child clinic, a preventative health clinic, and the first food clinic.