Mesothelioma Treatment Centers Top the List of the “Best Hospitals” in 2011 Ranking
The US News & World Report’s annual “Best Hospitals” survey for 2011 has just been released and the top ranked hospitals for cancer care are also several of the most renowned for their mesothelioma treatment centers. University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX took the #1 spot with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York, NY being selected as #2. Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in Boston was ranked 5th.
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has a vision of being the “premier cancer center in the world,” and is continuously introducing new research and initiatives to improve the lives of cancer patients. Within their cancer center they have over 30 specialists on staff that support their multi-disciplinary approach to treating mesothelioma patients.
According to MD Anderson, this is the fifth year in a row that the US News & World survey ranked MD Anderson the nation’s best hospital for cancer care. It is the eighth time in the last 10 years that MD Anderson has been honored with the top ranking.
MSKCC is the worlds oldest and largest private cancer center, and has a team of specialists including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and nurses who deal exclusively with mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers. They often conduct clinical trials and studies for mesothelioma as they continue to make strides in the treatment of the deadly disease. MSKCC scored high in patient safety, demonstrating commitment to reducing accidents and medical mistakes.
Dr. David Sugarbaker, renowned thoracic surgeon of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, is one of the leading authorities on treating mesothelioma and founded the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham to focus on developing the most effective, cutting-edge treatment strategies that can significantly extend mesothelioma patients’ lives. Brigham was identified as having especially strong scores in 10 specialties.
U.S. News surveyed nearly 10,000 specialists and reviewed data for close to 5,000 hospitals to rank the best in 16 adult specialties, from cancer to urology. Death rates, patient safety, and hospital reputation were a few of the factors considered.
Mesothelioma is a serious and rare cancer that occurs in individuals that have been exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. Due to its relative rarity among the general population, it is recommended that mesothelioma be treated at a facility with a team of doctors and surgeons that specialize in the treatment of mesothelioma. Specialists are aware of the latest research and they are able to develop a more informed treatment plan than would a physician who does not specialize in the disease.
The hospitals were among 140 facilities—fewer than 3 percent of the 4,825 analyzed for the latest Best Hospitals rankings—to be ranked in even one of the 16 specialties.
