National Jewish Named #1 Respiratory Hospital in 2007

New Strategic Plan Focuses on Extending Excellence for Another Decade

Make it an even decade. National Jewish Medical and Research Center has been named the best respiratory hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for the tenth year in a  row. The ranking is part of the 2007 "America's Best Hospitals" guide published by the weekly newsmagazine.

"It is a tribute to our amazing faculty and staff, and to the support of our board of directors that we have been able to remain the best for a full decade," said Michael Salem, MD, President and CEO of National Jewish. "We have recently embarked on a bold, new strategic plan so that we may remain the global leader in the research and treatment of respiratory, immune and related disorders for another decade."

As part of the ranking, board-certified pulmonologists around the country mentioned National Jewish more often than any other hospital when asked to name the best respiratory hospitals in the nation. In addition to recognition by pulmonologists, the hospital rankings were based upon various care related factors, such as nursing and patient services.

National Jewish has world-renowned programs in several respiratory and immune disorders including in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatology, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, allergies and immunologic diseases. In recent weeks, National Jewish has received tremendous attention for its expertise in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis.

The National Jewish strategic plan calls for significant increases in the size of the faculty and substantial investments in research, education and clinical care. The growth envisioned by the strategic plan will be accommodated initially by the newly opened Iris and Michael Smith Clinics and Laboratories, which added 93,600 square feet to the campus.

"Our new strategic plan will guide us as we pioneer individualized medicine programs towards a vision of personalized healthcare," said Dr. Salem. "The essence of the plan is the true integration of our research, clinical, and educational efforts at the point of the patient."

The hospital rankings appear in the July 25, 2007, edition of  U.S. News & World Report, which hits newsstands on July 16. The rankings are also available on the website, www.usnews.com.