By Pete Barkey
Health System Public Relations
The University of Michigan Hospital has reaffirmed its position as one of America’s best hospitals according to an annual survey released July 7 by U.S. News and World Report magazine. The U-M Hospital in Ann Arbor ranked 11th this year, tied with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Only 15 hospitals made the magazine’s Honor Roll.
The U-M was recognized in nearly every specialty category, scoring high in 14 of the 17 specialties considered. Four specialties were ranked in the top 10 and the remaining 10 were listed in the top 25 in their respective categories.
“We are pleased to be on the honor roll of the top 15 hospitals in the country once again,” said Gilbert Omenn, executive vice president for medical affairs and chief executive officer of the Health System. “This reputation is well-deserved and is a tribute to every employee of the U-M Health System. The ranking also highlights the national recognition of our research and educational programs, and our collegial relationships with referring physicians throughout the state and beyond.”
Several factors were considered in compiling the rankings, including reputation with board-certified specialists, mortality statistics, nursing care, level of medical technology and procedure volume. Overall, 1,701 of the nation’s 6,247 hospitals met the magazine’s eligibility requirements.
Omenn says the rankings prove that a high level of medical care exists throughout Michigan.
“In the detailed rankings by specialties, we are pleased to see that our colleagues at William Beaumont Hospital, Henry Ford Health System and Spectrum Health are recognized as well, showing considerable national prominence for medical care here in Michigan,” Omenn added.
Rankings in each specialty category
| Category | Rank |
| Overall | 11* |
| Ear, nose and throat | 7 |
| Geriatrics | 8 |
| Rehabilitation | 9 |
| Hormonal disorders | 10 |
| Respiratory disorders | 11 |
| Rheumatology | 11 |
| Cancer | 15 |
| Gynecology | 16 |
| Digestive disorders | 17 |
| Psychiatry | 18 |
| Orthopedics | 20 |
| Urology | 23 |
| Kidney disease | 24 |
| Neurology & Neurosurgery | 24 |
The U-M Hospital ranked 9th in 1999, 12th in 1998, 10th in 1997 and 15th in 1996.
The concept and design of the statistical model used for the rankings were created by the National Opinion Research Center, a self-governing, not-for-profit corporation affiliated with the University of Chicago. They are based on a theme, called the Donabedian paradigm, created by Avedis Donabedian, professor emeritus of health management and policy in the School of Public Health.
* Tied with Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
