FMC − 80 years in the community

This year marks Flagstaff Medical Center’s 80th year in the community. FMC was originally founded in 1936 by Charles W. Sechrist, M.D.

Today, FMC is a part of Northern Arizona Healthcare and serves a region encompassing more than 50,000 square miles.

An anniversary celebration was held at FMC on Thursday, Sept. 29. Staff, several members of the Sechrist family and the community joined together to celebrate this milestone.

Speakers included:

  • Alice Gagnaire, R.N., vice chair of Northern Arizona Healthcare Board of Directors
  • Florence Spyrow, NAH executive vice president and FMC chief administrative officer
  • Michael Glover, M.D., FMC’s chief of staff
  • Robert P. Thames, F.A.C.H.E., F.H.F.M.A., NAH president and CEO
  • Charles G. Sechrist,  grandson of Dr. Charles W. Sechrist and NAH pharmacist

Prior to the event, a double rainbow was seen across Flagstaff. A double rainbow is considered a symbol of transformation, which speaks to the changes FMC has made over the past 80 years and was seen as a good omen heading into the celebratory event.