For the 12th time in 12 years, U.S.News & World Report this year ranked University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics among "America's Best Hospitals".

Furthermore, nine of the hospital's specialties were ranked among the nation's top 50:

• Otolaryngology-ear, nose, and throat
• Ophthalmology-eyes
• Orthopaedics-bones and joints
• Neurology/Neurosurgery
• Rheumatology
• Gastroenterology-digestive disorders
• Cancer
• Pulmonary-respiratory disorders
• Endocrinology-hormone disorders

R. Edward Howell, director and chief executive officer of UI Hospitals and Clinics, said it is gratifying to see people recognized for a job well done. "There is no doubt in my mind that all our physicians and staff take pride in being the best at what they do," he said.

Howell also noted that some ranked specialties--including cancer and orthopaedics--reflect the health needs of the state's residents. "Iowans can be justifiably proud that they have a highly regarded, comprehensive array of medical specialties available to them," he said.

The complete rankings, published in the July 23, 2001 issue, are available on the World Wide Web at www.usnews.com.

U.S.News & World Report also ranks UI College of Medicine among the top 30 graduate schools for medical education, and ranks the college's family medicine and rural medicine programs in the top five.