Life Changer
Dr. Francis P. Chiaramonte Was One of the True Transformative Leaders of His Time
Dr. Francis P. Chiaramonte Jr. was a prominent urological surgeon and philanthropist who left a significant mark on the region.
Founder and Visionary
He founded Southern Maryland Hospital Center, which opened in November 1977. At the time, he recognized that residents in the southern peninsula had to travel to Washington or Baltimore for quality care, so he built the facility to provide local access to advanced medicine.
Key Contributions
Medical Firsts: Under his leadership, the hospital introduced the region's first services for interventional cardiology, stroke care, and neurosurgery.
Regional Impact: The hospital became the largest private employer in the area, providing over 2,000 jobs.
Philanthropy: He made the largest private cash donation in the history of the College of Southern Maryland ($1 million), leading to the naming of the Francis P. Chiaramonte, M.D. Center for Science and Technology.
Community Access: He introduced free mobile clinic screenings and built a healthcare campus that included a hotel for patients' families.
His achievements were eventually recognized in the Congressional Record as a tribute to his dedication to the people of Southern Maryland.
