When talking about hospitals in Long Beach, many people only think of MemorialCare, but there is another hospital that cannot be overlooked.

That is St. Mary Medical Center. At first, I thought, "There's a hospital in downtown?" but when I actually visited, I was surprised to find it quite large and with a long history.

The hospital is located at 1050 Linden Ave, very close to downtown Long Beach. It is currently operated as a nonprofit hospital under the CommonSpirit Health system, but it was originally well-known as part of Dignity Health. With a foundation in Catholic values, it has long served the community, making it a familiar name to Long Beach residents.

Its size is larger than expected. It is a general hospital with about 400 beds and operates a 24-hour emergency room.

In particular, it receives good reviews in the fields of cardiology, vascular diseases, cancer treatment, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. With a history of over 100 years, it is considered one of the oldest representative hospitals in Long Beach.

The hospital's beginnings date back to 1907 when the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word established it to provide medical services to the residents of Long Beach.

At that time, Long Beach was not the large city it is today, but this hospital has played a central role in ensuring the health of the local community.

Over the course of more than 100 years, it has grown alongside Long Beach, enduring two world wars, the Great Depression, various epidemics, and advancements in medical technology.

It is not just an old hospital; it has built deep trust within the community, with families returning to the same hospital across generations.

Today, as part of the CommonSpirit Health system, it continues to provide the latest medical technology and specialized care while maintaining the spirit of service rooted in its Catholic foundation, offering medical support to low-income individuals, immigrants, and vulnerable populations.

The reason St. Mary is special to Long Beach residents is not just its size, but the history and trust it has built over more than 100 years with the community.

From my experience in the U.S., I've found that while facilities are important, how long a hospital has earned the trust of local residents is also crucial.

In that regard, St. Mary has consistently maintained its position as a trusted hospital.

Another advantage of this hospital is its active community service efforts.

It regularly conducts health screening programs, health education, and medical support for low-income individuals. In particular, it provides interpretation services to help immigrants who may struggle with English, making it easier for those visiting a hospital in the U.S. for the first time.

For Korean residents, the biggest concern when visiting a hospital is often the language barrier. While understanding the doctor's words is important, there is always a worry about miscommunication. In such cases, it's advisable to request a Korean interpreter when making an appointment. Most large hospitals have well-established medical interpretation systems, so you can receive care more comfortably than you might expect.

The hospital accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal, as well as various PPO and HMO plans. However, even with the same insurance, the network may vary by plan, so it's a good habit to check before making an appointment.

Additionally, CommonSpirit Health operates hospitals throughout California, making it convenient to share medical records within the same healthcare system. This facilitates referrals to specialists or additional tests when needed.

Ultimately, Long Beach has a very good healthcare environment. While MemorialCare is present, St. Mary Medical Center also plays a significant role. Having a reliable hospital nearby for unexpected illnesses or emergencies is a great advantage.

If you are considering moving to Long Beach, don't just look at housing prices or school districts; also check where the nearest hospital is. You'll realize later that living close to a hospital is a bigger blessing than you might think.