Innovation and research

Learn about our rich legacy of scientific research that spurred revolutionary developments in American health care.

Shipyards pioneered use of penicillin

Though supplies for civilians were limited, Dr. Morris Collen’s wartime use of penicillin to treat shipyard workers’ pneumonia saved lives.

Learn about the wonder drug

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The automated multiphasic health test was supported by the IBM System 360 in the Kaiser Permanente Oakland Hospital computer center in 1966.

September 13, 2023

Transforming the medical record

Kaiser Permanente’s adoption of disruptive technology in the 1970s sparked …

Eastine Cowner removing coatings and corrosion from Liberty ship SS George Washington Carver at the Kaiser Richmond shipyard in 1943.

Hannah Peters, MD, provides essential care to ‘Rosies’

When thousands of women industrial workers, often called “Rosies,” joined …

The "Baby in the Drawer" hospital room from 1953

September 10, 2021

‘Baby in the drawer’ helped turn the tide for breastfeeding

This innovation in rooming-in allowed newborns to stay close to mothers …

vintage photograph of 3 women wearing 1960s era nursing uniforms

September 28, 2020

A legacy of disruptive innovation

Proceeds from a new book detailing the history of the Kaiser Foundation …

black and white photo of a woman smiling and wearing glasses

August 26, 2020

Kaiser Permanente’s pioneering nurse-midwives

The 1970s nurse-midwife movement transformed delivery practices.

Book cover: 'The Story of Dr. Sidney R. Garfield — The Visionary Who Turned Sick Care into Health Care' with color illustration of Dr. Garfield.

Books and publications about our history

Interested in learning more about the history of Kaiser Permanente and …

Disc Jockey Pete Taylor in KFOG studio

Thriving with 1960s-launched KFOG radio

Kaiser Broadcasting radio connected listeners, while TV stations brought …

4 young 70s era women nursing students standing in front of a large mobile health van with a sign that reads "podiatry clinic"

February 5, 2019

Mobile clinics: 'Health on wheels'

Kaiser Permanente mobile health vehicles brought care to people, closing …

KFSN students in capping ceremony (after 6 months of study) walk through Kaiser Oakland hospital, circa 1960

Nursing pioneers leads to a legacy of leadership

Kaiser Foundation School of Nursing students learned a new philosophy emphasiz …

"Ships From the Scrap Heap" Fore 'n' Aft, 1/14/1944

Wasting nothing: Recycling then and now

Environmentalism was a common practice at the Kaiser shipyards long before …

Harold Hatch and secretary Bess Girgitch reading the newspaper at a desk

Harold Hatch, health insurance visionary

The founding of Kaiser Permanente's concept of prepaid health care in the …

Dr. Sidney Garfield at Contractors General Hospital, 1935

5 physicians who made a difference

Meet 5 outstanding doctors who advanced the practice of medical care with …

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