HOUSTON - 7/13/2007 -

Five specialties ranked in the top 20, more than any hospital in Texas

The Methodist Hospital ranked among the country's top centers in 14 specialties in U.S News & World Report's 2007 - America’s Best Hospitals issue. Methodist is ranked in more specialties than any hospital in Texas.

The Methodist Hospital also has more specialties ranked in the top 20 than any hospital in the state.

Of the 5,462 hospitals nationwide eligible to be ranked this year, only 173 – 3 percent-- were ranked in one or more of the 16 specialties. Methodist has ranked consistently in a variety of clinical areas since the rankings began in 1990, and improved its previous rankings in two specialties this year. Methodist was ranked in eight more specialties than last year.

"Ranking in 14 of the 16 specialties is unprecedented for us, and shows our dedication and commitment to our patients,” said Ron Girotto, CEO and president of The Methodist Hospital System. "This tremendous achievement is a tribute to our physicians and employees whose talents, commitment and compassion make Methodist one of the best hospitals in the country.”

Methodist ranked No. 9 in the field of neurology and neurosurgery, up one spot from last year. Methodist has ranked in the top 20 for neurology for the past 10 years.
In urology, which includes treatment for prostate cancer, Methodist ranked No. 10, up six spots and ranking in the top 20 for the 10th year in a row.
Other top rankings include heart/heart surgery; ear, nose and throat; psychiatry; ophthalmology; orthopedics; kidney disease; rheumatology; and geriatrics. Methodist was ranked for the first time in cancer, endocrinology, digestive disorders and respiratory disorders.

The hospitals chosen by the magazine received a score that weighs reputation, mortality, and a group of care-related factors such as nursing and technology. Each specialty's 50 highest-scoring hospitals are listed.

Also this year, The Methodist Hospital System was named No. 9 on FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” 2007 list.