Two of the honored specialties—Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (eyes)—ranked second and sixth respective among the nation's top 10 in the July 23 issue of the publication. The issue will be available on newsstands on July 16.

The complete list of ranked specialties at UI Hospitals and Clinics includes:

• Otolaryngology (2)
• Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (6)
• Orthopaedic Surgery (16)
• Neurology and Neurosurgery (18)
• Urology (22)
• Kidney Disease (26)
• Gynecology (32)
• Digestive Disorders (40)

The results mark a return to the rankings for Digestive Disorders and Neurosurgery and Neurology.

Donna Katen-Bahensky, senior associate vice president for medical affairs and chief executive officer of UI Hospitals and Clinics, says that the survey’s results demonstrate what she calls “the Iowa difference.”

"Our faculty and staff have a strong track record of offering innovative care, excellent service and exceptional outcomes," Katen-Bahensky said. "As Iowa’s only comprehensive academic health center, we continue to lead the way in changing health care and providing healing and hope to patients and their families."

The 2007 rankings represent the 18th time in the 18 years that U.S.News & World Report has published the "America's Best Hospitals" survey that UI Hospitals and Clinics has received the honor from the magazine.

Jean Robillard, MD, vice-president for medical affairs and dean, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, noted that such rankings help highlight the depth and breadth of services at UI Hospitals and Clinics.

"These rankings point out how strong we are across the board," Robillard said. “Our physicians are leaders in providing the most advanced care to patients, leading breakthroughs in research and educating future generations of health professionals.”

Robillard and Katen-Bahensky caution that no one should make decisions about their health care based solely upon such rankings. That decision should be made after considering an array of factors and in consultation with the patient’s personal physician.

For more information:

U.S.News & World Report

Jean Robillard, MD