About SMC

Founded as Mary’s Help Hospital in 1893 by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Seton Medical Center has provided medical care to the people of San Francisco and Northern San Mateo County for over a century. Our history is testimony of our service in providing care and a compassionate environment for the sick, the poor and the underserved. This delivery of healthcare at Seton Medical Center is guided by our strong commitment to treating the whole person in body, mind and spirit.

Over the years, Seton Medical Center has evolved from a small city hospital into a major medical center. Today, our accredited, non-profit 357-bed facility, with more than 600 physicians, offers the most advanced surgical procedures, treatment options, and comprehensive healthcare services available. In addition to being recognized as one of the top 100 hospitals in the United States for our cardiovascular services, Seton Medical Center offers exemplary medical, surgical, and specialty programs for spine care, orthopedics, and respiratory. Seton also provides many programs and services aimed at creating a healthier community, such as the Northern California Diabetes Institute, and the RotaCare Clinic, which provides urgent care to those without health insurance.

Together, the Daughters of Charity and Seton Medical Center’s team of healthcare professionals provide quality healthcare so our patients, their families, and our surrounding communities can enjoy happier, more productive, and healthier lives.

Learn more about who we are by exploring the topics in this section.