BWH Ranks 8th on U.S. News & World Report List of Top Hospitals

For the 19th consecutive year, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) secured its place on the U.S. News & World Report’s Honor Roll of America’s Best Hospitals, ranking eighth. In the grading of the best hospitals, BWH ranked among the top 10 in six categories: Cancer, Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Gynecology, Nephrology, and Rheumatology.  BWH also placed in the top 20 in these additional specialty areas: Gastroenterology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, and Urology.

This year for the first time, Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center was considered as one institution in the specialty area of cancer. The high ranking of fifth nationally in cancer care is due to the integration of one of the world’s leading cancer institutes with a world-renowned academic medical center into one superb cancer center for adults.

#3 Gynecology

Ranked number three in Gynecology, the BWH Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is on the cutting edge of new procedures that advance the practice of medicine and improve the health of women, such as the use of high intensity focused ultrasound to treat uterine fibroids and the creation of a Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery in 2006. The department has a long history of excellence in research and a stellar reputation in teaching, drawing talent from all over the world for educational opportunities.

Recent BWH Gynecology news headlines:

• Quality of Life Significantly Increases After Uterine Fibroid Treatment
• Maternal bacteria linked to pretermborn's health
• Study Brings Mothers’ Voices to Incubators
• Stress During Pregnancy May Increase Offspring’s Risk of Developing Asthma
• Special Deliveries: BWH Makes Miracles Happen for its Tiniest Patients (PDF)

#5 Cancer

Ranked number five in Cancer, BWH partners with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to provide care for adult patients in 12 specialized centers, each devoted to a different type of cancer.  The Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center is committed to conquering cancer by developing new ways to prevent and screen for cancer, as well as developing new therapies. The DF/BWCC has a history of groundbreaking research and innovative patient care including the development of the CA 125 test, the first and only biomarker for ovarian cancer; pioneering new approaches in the assessment and treatment of prostate cancer; and the development of state-of-the-art surgical techniques for brain surgery.

Recent Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center news headlines:

• Shift Work May be Associated with Decreased risk of Skin Cancer
• Smoking May Be Associated With Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
• Body Fat Associated With a Higher Risk of ER-negative Breast Cancer
• New Combo Drug Nanoparticle Could Improve Cancer Treatment
• BWH and New England Patriots Team Up to Kick Cancer

#5 Rheumatology

Ranked fifth in Rheumatology, the BWH Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy is internationally renowned for excellence in clinical care, clinical investigation and basic research.

Recent BWH Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy news headlines:

• Nanoparticles offer hope for common skin allergy
• Injectable Gel Could Spell Relief for Arthritis Sufferers
• Common Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis Medications Are Associated with Reduced Diabetes Risk
• Women Who Drink Beer More Likely to Develop Psoriasis

#6 Kidney Disease

Ranked sixth by U.S. News & World Report, BWH’s Renal Division is devoted to the understanding and treatment of kidney disease. The division has a rich tradition of excellence and boasts many milestones, including performing the first organ transplant – a kidney from one twin to another – in 1954. Today, the Renal Division offers extensive outstanding clinical programs in all aspects of kidney health and disease; outstanding research programs; an active kidney transplantation program; and a premier kidney fellowship training program.

Recent BWH Renal news headlines:

• Donor and Recipient Age May Predict Kidney Transplant Outcome
• Five Decades Later, Transplant Recipient Returns
• Researchers Unlock the Potential for Exploring Kidney Regeneration
• Western Dietary Pattern Associated with Kidney Function Decline
• Cutting Dietary Phosphate Does Not Save Dialysis Patients’ Lives

#8 Heart and Heart Surgery

BWH’s Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Division of Cardiac Surgery rank number eight on the U.S. News & World Report list. The Cardiovascular Medicine Division is a world leader in clinical and academic cardiology, with staff providing comprehensive cardiovascular care for even the most complex cases to thousands of patients per year. The Division of Cardiac Surgery is dedicated to providing the safest, state-of-the-art, highest quality and most innovative surgery for patients.

Recent BWH Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiac Surgery news headlines:

• Overall Healthy Lifestyle Can Dramatically Lower Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death in Women
• New Drug More Than Doubles Good Cholesterol
• Women with High Job Strain Have Increased Risk of Heart Disease
• Stroke Program Receives Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award
• BWH Performs 600th Heart Transplant

#9 Diabetes and Endocrinology

Ranked ninth in Endocrinology, the BWH Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension is engaged in a wide range of clinical, research and educational activities.

Recent BWH Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension news headlines:

• Research Explores Most Successful Ways to Fight Diabetes, Obesity
• Lifestyle Counseling and Glycemic Control in Patients With Diabetes: True to Form?
• Childhood Abuse Associated with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Adulthood
• Target-dosing Anemia Treatments for Patients with Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease May Carry Risks
• Classes Help Diabetes Patients Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes