In January 1953, Dr. Donald L. Fraser, Dr. Leroy C. Johnson and Dr. Merton C. Worster met with hospital consultant Harry Whitlow for the purpose of converting their clinic into a fully functional hospital. The Auburn Osteopathic Clinic, located at 32 Auburn Ave. in Pontiac, was renovated and refurbished to include x-ray facilities, a laboratory, kitchen, offices and pharmacy. In just six months the first patient was admitted for surgery to the new McLaren-Oakland.

So successful was this new hospital that two years later, these industrious physicians were able to expand the dream. The seven-story Pontiac Hotel was purchased in 1955, renovated, and in February 1956 was operating as a fully functional hospital. Still more expansion occurred. An emergency room was added and the medical education program developed. In November 1958 a dedication was held for the improved McLaren-Oakland.

Osteopathic services were in demand. The growth continued. A three-story addition was added in May 1963.

• In 1975 a new emergency department, obstetrics, pediatrics, intensive care and critical care units emerged.
• In 1996 the new 10 story patient tower was dedicated. Its modern new structure changed not only the skyline of Pontiac, but also the way northern Oakland County viewed healthcare
• Today this once small clinic has grown into the full-fledged medical community known as McLaren-Oakland.
• We are currently one of the largest osteopathic teaching hospitals in the United States.
• Over 300 physicians and more than 1200 support staff practice medicine here.
• Eight satellite facilities throughout north Oakland County bring health care closer to home.