Inside Celestial Medical Center, anticipation filled the air.
Leaders from Austin, city officials, media reporters, and hospital staff had gathered for the grand opening ceremony.
The event began with a promotional video, showcasing the hospital's state-of-the-art facilities and world-class medical team.
The audience watched in awe as the screen displayed the hospital's impressive scale:
A sprawling 2,000-acre medical campus with 20,000 patient beds.
72 towering buildings, each dedicated to a different medical specialty.
A massive inpatient and rehabilitation center with 32 cutting-edge facilities.
Hundreds of high-tech laboratories outfitted with the latest medical research equipment.
4,521 physicians recruited from top hospitals and universities across the country.
A total medical team of 34,779 professionals, supported by an additional 9,477 administrative and logistical staff.
44,256 employees in total, making it one of the largest medical institutions in the country.
Among the hospital's staff were renowned experts, including:
Fellows from the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences.
Lead researchers from top-tier NIH-funded projects.
Recipients of prestigious medical awards, including the Lasker Award and Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences.
Former department heads from world-renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic.
City officials and reporters exchanged glances, impressed.
Even among the nation's best hospitals, Celestial Medical Center stood out.
After the video, two National Academy of Medicine fellows and two National Academy of Engineering members from Celestial Medical Center took the stage, delivering speeches about the hospital's vision and innovation in medicine.
Then, Austin's city commissioner stepped up to the podium.
"The establishment of Celestial Medical Center is a groundbreaking moment in modern healthcare."
"This hospital is not just another medical facility—it is a model for the future, proving that high-quality healthcare can be both accessible and cutting-edge."
"Celestial Medical Center will be a driving force in medical innovation, patient care, and education. It will elevate Austin's role as a leader in healthcare and transform the lives of countless people."
"On behalf of the City of Austin, I hope that Celestial Medical Center continues to innovate, heal, and inspire for generations to come."
The audience responded with thunderous applause.
Immediately after, Texas's Health Secretary took the stage.
"The opening of Celestial Medical Center is a monumental event, not just for Austin, but for the entire state."
"This institution is built on three key principles: public health as the priority, foundational care as the guarantee, and specialized medicine as the advantage."
"By providing world-class healthcare, advanced research opportunities, and specialized treatments, Celestial Medical Center will set a new standard for patient care."
"On behalf of the State of Texas, I offer my congratulations to Celestial Medical Center and look forward to its bright future!"
More applause filled the hall, echoing through the massive conference room.
Finally, Dr. Ethan Carter, President of Celestial Medical Center, stepped up to the podium.
His voice was steady and confident.
"Celestial Medical Center was built to redefine modern healthcare."
"Designed as a world-class medical institution, it is dedicated to cutting-edge research, exceptional patient care, and top-tier medical education."
"We have gathered some of the brightest minds in medicine, implemented the most advanced technologies, and created an environment where doctors can focus on healing without financial pressure."
"Our mission is simple—to put patient care above all else."
"We will be a center of excellence for complex and critical care, a pioneer in medical advancements, and a pillar of trust for the community."
"Celestial Medical Center is not just a hospital—it is a movement toward a healthier, brighter future."
"And today, that future begins."
The moment he finished speaking, the audience erupted in applause.
The sound filled the hall, lasting for several minutes.
For the doctors and staff, this wasn't just an opening ceremony—
It was the start of something legendary.
Although Austin is one of the most economically developed cities in the country, its medical resources have long lagged behind its growth.
Despite its rapid expansion, the city had only a handful of top-tier hospitals—most of which were overburdened, understaffed, and struggling to keep up with demand.
In certain districts, access to quality healthcare was limited, with patients waiting weeks—sometimes months—for specialist appointments.
Then came Celestial Medical Center.
Though a privately funded institution, it was on a scale far beyond any public hospital.
For context, a Level 1 trauma center typically requires at least 500 beds to qualify as a major medical facility.
Celestial Medical Center?
It had 20,000 beds, making it the largest hospital in the country, equivalent to 40 major medical centers combined.
Its establishment didn't just improve Austin's healthcare landscape—it redefined it.
The hospital's presence alone elevated the city's medical reputation, attracting patients from across the region and creating thousands of new jobs for healthcare workers, administrative staff, and support personnel.
As the ribbon-cutting ceremony began, Dr. Ethan Carter, alongside Austin's city leaders, took hold of the ceremonial red ribbon.
With a synchronized snip, the ribbon fell, marking the official opening of Celestial Medical Center.
The crowd erupted into applause, while photographers snapped endless pictures, capturing the moment for news outlets across the country.
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The opening ceremony made headlines within hours.
Major media outlets ran in-depth reports detailing the unprecedented scale and vision of Celestial Medical Center.
Online, the reaction was instant and overwhelming.
Social media exploded with shock and disbelief.
People couldn't believe the numbers they were reading:
20,000 beds.
2,000-acre medical campus.
4,521 MDs from top institutions.
A total medical team of 34,779 professionals.
44,256 employees, making it the largest hospital workforce in the country.
In comment sections and discussion threads, netizens were stunned:
"Holy—?! This place is bigger than Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic combined!"
"Are we sure this is a hospital and not an entire medical city?!"
"Wait… this is a private hospital?! HOW?! Private hospitals in the U.S. aren't supposed to be this good!"
"44,000 employees?! That's more than some Fortune 500 companies!"
"Celestial Medical Center isn't just the biggest hospital in the U.S.—it's the biggest hospital in the WORLD!"
"I wish I lived in Austin… These residents are about to have access to healthcare better than 99% of the country."
"Honestly, I think people underestimate how important healthcare is. Schools and universities are great, but EVERYONE needs medical care, not just students. Austin just won the healthcare lottery."
"Why can't we have something like this in Chicago?! I'd give anything for a Celestial Medical Center here!"
The opening of Celestial Medical Center wasn't just local news—it was a national phenomenon.
For the people of Austin, it was a new era of healthcare.
For the rest of the country, it left one pressing question:
"When will we see a Celestial Medical Center in our city?"