U.S. News recently released its annual survey of the best hospitals in the country. This year, nearly 5,000 hospitals were considered in 16 adult specialties from cancer to cardiology. The majority of specialties were graded on hard statistical data like mortality rates, patient and nurse ratios, and procedural volume. Of the 5,000 that were put through U.S. News’ statistical analysis, only 152 scored high enough to be added to the ‘best of’ list and 14 earned a spot on their coveted Honor Roll by ranking highly in six or more specialties. These ultra-elite facilities deserve notoriety for their superior care in a variety of medical disciplines.

Johns Hopkins Hospital ranks number one on the U.S. News Honor Roll for best hospitals in the country. Located in Baltimore, MD, this hospital boasts 925 general medical beds, an expert surgical facility and an accreditation by the Joint Commission, Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Johns Hopkins ranked number one in the following disciplines: Ear, Nose and Throat, Gynecology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Rheumatology, and Urology. The second highest ranking hospital on the Honor Roll is the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The Mayo Clinic has consistently been ranked among the best hospitals in the U.S. for years and is universally known for their care and research of hard to treat illnesses and cutting edge technology. This hospital ranked number one in Diabetes and Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, and Kidney Disorders.

Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA ranked third on the U.S. News Honor Roll. This medical facility is owned by Partners HealthCare and is a teaching hospital for Harvard University. It is also a well respected biomedical research facility and was one of the first hospitals to adopt the use of ether, now known as anesthesia. MGH ranked first in Psychiatry and second in Diabetes and Endocrinology, and Ear, Nose and Throat care. The fourth highest ranked hospital in the U.S. is the Cleveland Clinic located in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the largest medical centers in the world, the Cleveland Clinic saw more than 2.8 million patients in 2005 and was ranked number one in cardiac care for more than 15 consecutive years. The clinic also ranked second in Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, and Urology.

These hospitals are just some of the best medical centers in the United States. They conduct expert medical research and provide a very high level of care for the thousands of patients they see yearly.