The story of Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital is linked to the history of Dowagiac through the remarkable story of the Lee family. The daughter of Philo Beckwith, who founded the Round Oak Stove Company in 1869, was Kate Beckwith-Lee. Her husband, Fred Lee, built a mansion and gave it as a wedding present to their daughter, Mary Lee Bishop.

After Mary’s untimely death in 1910, Fred donated the building to the Sisters of Mercy in Dubuque, Iowa, as a memorial to her. In 1918 the Sisters of Mercy opened Lee Memorial Hospital and managed it until 1946.

At that point, the facility was purchased by the Sisters of Saint Joseph Health System, which owned and managed Borgess Health. The name was changed in 2000 to Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. As part of Borgess Health, Borgess-Lee is now a member of Ascension Health, which offers the largest continuum of nonprofit health care services in the United States.

Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, 420 West High Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047, (269) 782-8681

Mission
The purpose of Borgess Health is to be a values-based health system continuing the healing mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph and responding to the needs of those we serve.

Our commitment to those we serve respects the dignity of human life and actively responds to the needs of the poor.

Values
We are called to:

Service of the Poor - generosity of spirit, especially for persons most in need

Reverence - respect and compassion for the dignity and diversity of life

Integrity - inspiring trust through personal leadership

Wisdom - integrating excellence and stewardship

Creativity - courageous innovation

Dedication - affirming the hope and joy of our ministry

Vision
Borgess Health will be the best place for patients to receive comprehensive health care services by delivering a unique blend of applied research, advanced clinical care and exceptional customer service in a fiscally prudent manner.

In pursuing this vision, Borgess will differentiate itself based on the basis of a recognizably different care model and specific services that cannot be found elsewhere in the region.

Services & Specialties

Cardiac Services

Lymphedema Program

Personalized Rehabilitation

High-Tech Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory

Surgical Services

Compassionate Inpatient Care

The Power of Prevention & Education

Comprehensive Multi-Specialty Clinics

Here’s a sneak peak at some of the benefits available to Borgess-Lee staff members:

Health, dental, disability and life insurance plans

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Sick child care

Educational loans/scholarships

Pharmacy/supplies purchasing plan

Shift premiums and flexible scheduling

Flexible spending accounts, tax-sheltered annuities and direct payroll deposit

And so much more . . .