Three of the honored specialties -- Otolaryngology - ear, nose and throat - (third), Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences - eyes - (sixth) and Orthopaedic Surgery - bones and joints (seventh) -- rank among the nation's top 10 in the July 18 issue of the magazine. The issue will be available on newsstands on July 11.

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

• Otolaryngology (3)
• Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (6)
• Orthopaedic Surgery (7)
• Rheumatolgy (20)
• Urology (20)
• Geriatrics (30)
• Respiratory Disorders (37)
• Kidney Disease (40)
• Gynecology (43)

Donna Katen-Bahensky, director and chief executive officer of UI Hospitals and Clinics, said the rankings offer yet another confirmation of the organization's commitment to overall excellence.

"We already knew that our faculty and staff are outstanding," Katen-Bahensky said. "Every one of them is deeply committed to caring for our patients and families."

The 2005 rankings represent the 16th time in the 16 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, M.D., dean of the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, noted that such rankings reflect the respect of peers in the health care professions throughout the nation.

"Our physicians are leaders in bringing their research to the bedside to enhance the care they provide to their patients," Robillard said. "They also help train the next generation of doctors, ensuring that they are prepared to meet the health care needs of the future."

U.S. News & World Report ranks medical schools separately from hospitals. In its most recent rankings, U.S. News & World Report rated the UI Carver College of Medicine 12th in the nation. In addition, it was ranked 7th in rural medicine and 10th in primary care. Also, 150 UI Health Care physicians are listed on the "Best Doctors in America" database.

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 patientÕs personal physician.

"We work closely as partners with physicians across the region and the nation to deliver excellent patient care," Katen-Bahensky said. "Our top priority is meeting the needs of patients in the manner that best serves the individual patient."

Robillard added, "Iowans can be confident that they will receive excellent health care close to home at the stateÕs only comprehensive academic medical center."

For more information:

U.S. News & World Report