Since 1924, Willis-Knighton has served the needs of this community with an eye toward the future. The hospital was founded as Tri-State Sanitarium by Dr. T.E. Williams and Dr. L.H. Pirkle to address needs in the fast-growing neighborhoods of west Shreveport. It was sold four years later to Dr. James C. Willis and Dr. Joseph E. Knighton. In 1950, a year after it transitioned to a not-for-profit healthcare organization, it was named in honor of Doctors Willis and Knighton. The vision of early founders grew as Shreveport grew, helping to establish Willis-Knighton as a leader in the field of healthcare locally, regionally and nationally.

The years have brought changes in technology and treatment along with tremendous growth. From one small hospital, Willis-Knighton has grown to encompass multiple facilities, spanning the entire continuum of care for residents in northwest Louisiana and the Ark-La-Tex. Today the health system includes four hospitals as well as a retirement community and a full range of support services.

Willis-Knighton has offered many firsts in our community, including:

  • Satellite hospital
  • Center for women’s health
  • Eye institute
  • Heart and vascular institute
  • Collaboration as a private hospital with a public, academic medical center, Louisiana Health Shreveport.
  • Innovation center with virtual hospital
  • Talbot Medical Museum
  • Senior residential options at The Oaks of Louisiana to enhance continuum of care
  • Freestanding hospital for physical and behavioral rehabilitation
  • Numerous “firsts” in technology and procedures, including proton therapy and TomoTherapy at the Willis-Knighton Cancer Center, state-of-the art imaging and diagnostic services, innovative cardiovascular technology and eye surgery technology.

Willis-Knighton’s past is closely tied to those of its friends and neighbors and so is the health system’s future.

Willis-Knighton is a locally-owned, locally-operated healthcare organization dedicated to caring for the people in our community and investing in their health and wellness. The health system’s growth is a result of consistently responding to community needs, a mission it will continue well into the future.

Willis-Knighton Innovation Center

Description

The WK Innovation Center has been created on the site of the former Bossier Medical Center. This property, which borders Airline Drive and Shed Road, showcases innovation of Willis-Knighton Health System, the region’s most forward-thinking health provider.

By renovating much of the existing structure, Willis-Knighton has brought new life and purpose to a building that had been neglected for too long. Executives and planners sought to demonstrate respect for the legacy of the former hospital and the citizens of Bossier City whose tax dollars paid for the original building and its additions over the years.

Location in Museum

Talbot Museum Digital Archive

Age

2012 to Present

100 Years