Among the Nation’s Best- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
Among the Nation’s Best- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
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July 21, 2000
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In This Issue:
Top 10 Again
Among the Nation’s Best
Leading the Pack
BWH—the Birthplace of Modern Nephrology
What does it take to create a world class medical center? In the last 20 short years since Brigham and Women’s Hospital opened its patient tower in 1980, the hospital celebrates its inclusion among the nation’s top ten hospitals for a remarkable eighth straight year. BWH has relied on a stellar history built upon the collective reputations of its predecessor hospitals and forged a new alliance over the last two decades dedicated to the highest level of patient care. Congratulations to all members of the BWH community who make this prestigious ranking possible. We take great pride in the medical triumphs that occur day-in and day-out at BWH and in the fact that teamwork has made BWH one of the very best hospitals in America.
#1 Nephrology
BWH Nephrology is a team comprised of highly specialized physicians, nurses and other staff lead the charge to fight kidney disease, most recently spearheading the creation of the world-wide strategy used for induced remission of chronic renal disease. In addition, as a result of the combined efforts of two generations of basic and clinical researchers, BWH’s renal fellowship program has become the largest training program of its kind in the world.
#3 Gynecology
BWH Obstetrics and Gynecology is once again recognized as a world leader climbing up the U.S. News list from #4 in 1999 to #3 in 2000. BWH combines personalized patient care with groundbreaking teaching and research in women’s heath and reproductive issues. BWH fosters innovation and excellence as it provides the latest diagnostic and surgical procedures to treat complex diseases affecting the female reproductive system, maintains a nationally recognized fibroid research center, provides the most current programs and procedures for couples who wish to start a family, continues to perfect the IVF process and delivers nearly 10,000 babies annually, as well as treating 1,400 premature babies each year in the largest NICU in the region.
#4 Endocrinology
BWH Endocrine-Hypertension moves up the U.S. News list from #6 in 1999 to #4 in 2000. Integral to the division is the Thorn Center for Endocrine Research, where great strides are made in identifying new treatments for diabetes, sleep disorders, thyroid disorders and calcium disorders including osteoporosis. In addition, the division has also established the Thorn Scholars Program, which recognizes young investigators as it provides a foundation for their high-level research for which additional federal funding can then be sought.
#4 Rheumatology
BWH Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy continues to bring the latest treatment strategies to patients suffering from diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Researchers continue to identify genes responsible for arthritis, and clinical rheumatolgists, along with colleagues in orthopedics, provide expert treatment of bone and joint problems. Rheumatology also boasts its Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinic as well as clinical excellence in lyme disease and spinal diseases.
#6 Cardiology/Cardiac Surgery
With the addition of six new cardiac operating rooms and five new cardiac catheterization suites, BWH continues to enhance its already renowned Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiac Surgery Divisions. BWH maintains its leading role in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and in innovative intervention associated with heart artery blockages and rhythm problems. In addition to training some of the best minds in the field, these divisions continue to be recognized for its leading experts and clinical trials of new drug therapies and surgical technologies.
#9 Pulmonary
The Divisions of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Thoracic Surgery continue to be recognized for providing state-of-the-art care to patients with a wide variety of chest diseases. Home to the busiest lung transplant program in New England and a site of the Partners Asthma Center, BWH also has a prominent role in national trials designed to advance the care of patients with lung disease, including the Asthma Clinical Research Network and the National Emphysema Treatment Trial.
#10 Neurology/Neurosurgery
BWH leads the world in research on the cause and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease and brain tumors. Significant findings in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS are among many in BWH to make the news in the last year. BWH’s new MS Center is the latest addition to its clinical arsenal used to combat neurodegenerative diseases and injuries or congenital deformities of the spinal cord, peripheral nerves or muscles. In addition, neurosurgeons are pioneering non-invasive brain surgery through the use of BWH-mastered Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MRT) alongside their colleagues in radiology.