Shands at the University of Florida listed in U.S. News Media Group's 2009 edition of America's Best Hospitals

GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Shands at UF has been ranked in seven specialties in U.S. News’s 2009 publication of America’s Best Hospitals, accessible today online at www.usnews.com/besthospitals.

Shands at UF was named among the 50 best hospitals in the nation in cancer treatment, heart and heart surgery, urology, endocrinology and diabetes, geriatrics, gynecology and ear, nose and throat.

Of the specialties that the magazine used to rank each facility, Shands at UF ranked as the top Florida hospital in the categories of heart and heart surgery, urology and geriatrics.

"The faculty is delighted to be recognized for our efforts to provide exceptional cardiovascular care,” said Jamie Beth Conti, M.D., professor of medicine and interim chief, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, UF Department of Medicine. Our partnership with Shands at UF, the College of Medicine and the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery is longstanding and successful, and has always emphasized excellence in patient care, medical education and new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. We are proud to be named number one in Florida."

Shands at UF consistently ranks in the America’s Best Hospitals rankings. The rankings weigh reputation of each hospital, death rate, and a set of care-related factors such as nursing and patient services. Hospitals are scrutinized thoroughly before being ranked and considered a Best Hospital.

“We are pleased to once again be included among the outstanding hospitals and programs recognized by U.S. News,” said Tim Goldfarb, Shands HealthCare chief executive officer. “Our faculty and staff combine their expertise to provide innovative, excellent care.”