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To generate hospital rankings, U.S. News & World Report evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals nationwide. It assessed each hospital in 16 adult specialties, nine adult medical procedures or conditions and 10 pediatric specialties. OU Medicine broke into the coveted U.S. News & World Report national top 50 ranking for Best Cancer Hospitals by ranking No. 48 for 2019-2020. U.S. News and World Report started with an initial pool of 4,653 hospitals, then narrowed this list down to 900 top cancer programs nationwide for more in-depth analysis. In partnership with Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine, the program was particularly recognized for its excellence in patient survival 30 days after a stay in the hospital, as well as the frequency that its patients are able to go directly home from the hospital rather than being sent to another facility for continued care. In addition, OU Medicine received a commendation for its volume of patients with high-risk cancers over three years. That recognition is especially relevant because higher patient volume is associated with better outcomes, according to research studies. “At Stephenson Cancer Center, we lead the nation in enrollment for clinical trials and offer the most cutting-edge and complex cancer treatments in the region. The National Cancer Institute designation we received last year is a testament to the excellent clinical research we are providing to our patients to ensure they are receiving the best cancer treatment available in the country. This additional recognition from U.S. News & World Report further confirms for Oklahomans that they can receive world-class cancer care right here at home,” said Robert Mannel, M.D., associate vice provost for cancer programs at OU Health Sciences Center and director of Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medicine. OU Medicine’s cancer treatment program was also recognized for its use of advanced technologies, such as proton therapy and image-guided radiation therapy. For its holistic patient services, the cancer program received an excellent rating, which points to Stephenson Cancer Center’s Supportive Care program that provides pain management, palliative care, emotional and spiritual support, and more. U.S. News & World Report also highlighted Stephenson Cancer Center’s standing as a National Cancer Institutedesignated cancer center, offering the most comprehensive network of oncology physicians, a large clinical trials program and ongoing research. The rankings also noted the center’s certification by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, which certifies bone marrow and tissue transplantation programs. “As a comprehensive academic healthcare system, OU Medicine strives not only to offer the highest-quality care, but to engage in research that yields new treatments and to educate the healthcare professionals of tomorrow. The new rankings by the U.S. News & World Report confirms that OU Medicine is the leader in bringing the highest standard of treatment and compassionate care to patients in Oklahoma and in the region,” said Kris Wallace, president of OU Medical Center.
Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams, M.D., MPH, speaks at the OU Health Sciences Center during a visit this summer.
Surgeon General Visits Campus The Surgeon General of the United States, Jerome M. Adams, M.D., MPH, spoke to an audience of students, staff, clinicians and faculty members at the OU Health Sciences Center in August, describing his initiatives to improve the nation’s health. The high-profile visit served to underscore OU Medicine’s role as the state’s largest comprehensive academic health system. The “Nation’s Doctor,” Adams has an integral place in the advancement of national health priorities. As the surgeon general, Adams also holds the rank of Vice Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, overseeing operations of nearly 6,500 uniformed health officers serving 800 locations around the world. Adams has created several initiatives to address pressing issues in national health, including opioid use, oral health and the ways in which economic prosperity and national security are linked to community health. Adopting the motto, “Better health through better partnerships,” Adams is committed to strengthening relationships with members of the health community and establishing new partnerships among business leaders, faith-based organizations, professionals engaged in education and public safety as well as national security.
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