MUSC included in Best Hospitals list

CHARLESTON - The Medical University of South Carolina ranks among the nation's best hospitals in its treatment of six specialities, according to the August edition of U.S. News & World Report.

The Best Hospitals list ranks MUSC for its treatment of gastrointestinal disorders (24), ear/nose/throat disorders (40), kidney disorders (41), gynecologic disorders (47), orthopedics (42) and rheumatology (17).

"In these categories and in this list, reputation is only a smaller piece of the pie. To be recognized today, you've really got to be doing things well and delivering a high level of excellence and quality to patients," said Dr. Patrick Cawley, medical director at MUSC.

This is the hospital's 14th consecutive year on the list for its treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

This achievement correlates to an increased focus on quality, Cawley said.

"Our gastroenterology really has national reputation of all our specialties and they continue to get a high reputation score year after year," he said.

Out of 4,852 facilities, only 152, including MUSC, made the 2010-11 Best Hospitals rankings.

"We are pleased that the outstanding care delivered by the faculty and staff of MUSC is garnering such national attention," MUSC President Ray Greenberg said in a news release. "All South Carolinians can be reassured by the high quality of services being delivered at our hospital and through graduates of our training programs throughout the state."

Cawley echoed this pride in the level of care MUSC provides to South Carolinians.

"They don't need to travel to Georgia or North Carolina. They don't need to fly to Boston. They can get in the car, drive down to Charleston and get the same level of high-quality care as these other nationally ranked facilities," Cawley said.

Founded in Charleston in 1824, the Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South.

Reach Caitlin Byrd at cbyrd@thepostandcourier.com or 937-5916.