For more than 100 years, Orlando Health has been caring for Central Florida’s community, growing alongside the city it proudly serves. What began as a small facility known as Orange Memorial Hospital has evolved into one of Florida’s leading healthcare systems, built on a foundation of service, compassion, and responsiveness to community needs.
“What does the community need, and how do we serve?” says Kelly Nierstedt, President of Orlando Regional Medical Center. “Meeting the community needs and being supported by the community continues to be our mission today.”
That mission is deeply tied to downtown Orlando, where Orlando Health’s story first began, decades ago by candlelight. Today, vast technological advances see the organization’s downtown medical campus as a critical part of the city’s fabric, serving as the only Level 1 trauma center for both adults and children and providing life-saving care when it matters most.
Talking about downtown Orlando Nierstedt explains, “It’s really the epicenter of Orlando, it’s where our roots are. Orlando will always be our hub.”
The organization has been supported by downtown Orlando in its plans to further serve the community. Orlando Health sees investments in walkability, parks, and future-focused planning help create an environment where healthcare professionals can thrive both personally and professionally.
“We're recruiting both from the state, recruiting nationally and internationally, we want to make sure that we're recruiting to a vibrant city,” says Nierstedt. “Downtown Orlando really that place to be.”
For many, Orlando is often associated with theme parks but downtown tells a deeper story. It’s a place shaped by arts, culture, sports, and essential institutions like Orlando Health, all working together to define what the city truly represents.
A great deal of pride is taken in the name Orlando Health. “It's who we are we will always serve,” Nierstedt adds. It stands for the city that we represent.”
While downtown Orlando grows and changes, Orlando Health remains focused on what has guided it for more than a century: caring for people, supporting its team, and responding to the needs of the community. With deep roots downtown and a clear eye on the future, the organization continues to serve Orlando with purpose and pride.
Hear from Kelly Nierstedt on Orlando Health’s legacy and its continued role in downtown Orlando here.