Posted on July 13, 2001 at 4:20 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Eight programs from UAB are ranked in this year's U.S. News and World Report's annual "America's Best Hospitals" issue. The magazine selects 50 programs in 17 medical specialties. UAB is the only Alabama hospital included in the listing.

UAB's rheumatology program was ranked 8th. UAB's heart program (cardiology and cardiac surgery) ranked 13th, and its cancer program was ranked 26th. The orthopedics program jumped from 31st to 24th. Pulmonology (the treatment of breathing disorders) was not ranked last year but is listed 42nd this year.

UAB’s gynecology program was ranked 26th. Nephrology (kidney disease) is ranked 20th and the program in hormonal disorders is ranked 27th, up from 49th in 2000.

“Our continued presence in the rankings demonstrates the quality of our programs,” says David Fine, CEO of the UAB Health System. “We continue to be leaders in research and treatment in many of the areas that affect the health and well-being of people in Alabama and beyond.”

2001 marks the 10th consecutive time the rheumatology program has been ranked. Cardiology has been ranked for the past six years.