HOUSTON, July 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and TIRR Memorial Hermann have earned distinction as two of the nation's top hospitals in U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" issue.
Just 174 hospitals of more than 5,100 U.S. hospitals meet the rigorous criteria required to be recognized as a "Top 50 hospital" in key medical/surgical specialties.
For the 20th consecutive year, TIRR Memorial Hermann makes a top placement in the ranking, holding at number four in the rehabilitation category. Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center ranked 46 in kidney disease and 50 in urology. The rankings are published in U.S. News & World Report's July 21 issue.
"Through its affiliation with the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Memorial Hermann-TMC gives patients access to more than 700 academically-affiliated physicians representing more than 80 specialties. Leaders in their field, these physicians offer patients the latest treatment available for a wide range of diseases and conditions and contribute to Memorial Hermann's success in rehabilitation, urology and kidney disease," says Giuseppe Colasurdo, M.D., dean of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and physician-in-chief for Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital.
The magazine scores the quality of inpatient care based on each hospital's teaching status, advanced technological capabilities, patient volumes, reputation with physicians, mortality statistics, nursing proficiency and other measures relevant to each specialty.
"TIRR Memorial Hermann is pleased to be recognized among the premier rehabilitation hospitals in the nation for the 20th consecutive year," says CEO Carl Josehart. "The distinction reflects the knowledge, compassion and dedication of everyone who provides direct patient care or supports those who do."
"Continued national recognition for our programs speaks to the combination of innovation and medical expertise from our University of Texas Medical School at Houston partners and the caring nurses and staff at Memorial Hermann-TMC who work diligently to uphold the highest standards of patient care," says Juanita Romans, CEO, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. "The care offered at Memorial Hermann-TMC is found only among national leaders in medicine, and that's what makes us one of America's best hospitals."
Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is home to the Vanguard Urologic Institute, headed by world-renowned urologist and researcher Dr. Kevin Slawin. Dr. Slawin, professor in the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, is a leader in prostate cancer research.
In July 2009, the first patient was enrolled in an early phase clinical trial for men with advanced prostate cancer, evaluating a novel prostate cancer vaccine technology developed by Dr. Slawin and his colleagues.
About TIRR Memorial Hermann
Founded in 1959 in the Texas Medical Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann is a not-for-profit rehabilitation provider serving the needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, amputations and neuromuscular disorders. In addition to a 116-bed hospital, TIRR Memorial Hermann includes TIRR Memorial Hermann Kirby Glen, a 23,000 square foot facility that provides Day Rehabilitation, including the Challenge Program, a community re-entry program for brain injury survivors and Outpatient Rehabilitation. TIRR Memorial Hermann merged within the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in July 2006.
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About the Memorial Hermann System
An integrated health system, Memorial Hermann is known for world-class clinical expertise, patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation. The system, with its exceptional medical staff and 20,000 employees, serves southeast Texas and the greater Houston community. Memorial Hermann's 11 hospitals include three hospitals in the Texas Medical Center and eight suburban hospitals. The system also operates comprehensive cancer centers, the LifeFlight air ambulance program, the area's only burn treatment center, numerous imaging, sports medicine and rehabilitation, surgery centers, a Wellness Center, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a nursing home. To learn more, visit www.memorialhermann.org or call 713-222-CARE.
The Memorial Hermann logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3095