U.S. News recognizes U of U as No. 1 health care system in Salt Lake City metro area

University of Utah Health Care is the No. 1 health care system in the Salt Lake City metro area, according U.S. News & World Report's 2011-2012 Best Hospitals rankings. The University's services in gynecology and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) were also ranked 47th and 50th in the nation by the magazine.

In addition, the University was recognized as "high-performing" in urology, nephrology, orthopedics, pulmonary, and cancer care. This year is the 22nd edition of Best Hospitals and marks the 18th time the well-known survey ranked the University among the top hospitals and health care systems in the nation.

"This recognition represents the hard work and dedication of our staff and physicians, and it's gratifying to be ranked among the nation's best," said Vivian Lee, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, U of U senior vice president for health sciences and CEO of University of Utah Health Care. "Our patients are our first priority and we continually work to provide them the best possible care in every aspect of medicine."

The core mission of Best Hospitals is to guide patients who need an especially high level of care, according to Avery Comarow, U.S. News Health Rankings editor. "These (ranked hospitals) are referral centers where other hospitals send their sickest patients," Comarow said. "Hospitals like these are ones you or those close to you should consider when stakes are high."

Source: University of Utah Health Care