Dr. Arthur Gillette recruited Elizabeth McGregor to become the superintendent of the hospital at Phalen Park in 1914. She initially refused the job. Dr. Gillette sent her on a four-month tour of Europe to study hospital management. The trip prompted McGregor to change her mind and she became superintendent on September 30, 1914. McGregor was a skillful administrator and spent 35 years ensuring high quality food was given to the patients, the staff received proper training, and that the grounds of Phalen were well-kept. Dr. Gillette and Elizabeth McGregor strongly believed children in their care should spend time playing outdoors.