(July 13, 2006) The Rush University Medical Center Orthopaedic Program was once again ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Hospitals 2006" special issue dated July 17th. U.S.News & World Report ranks the Rush University Medical Center Orthopaedic Program as the nation's sixth best and the top program in the state of Illinois.

This prestigious achievement continues an upward trend. According to the U.S.New & World Report "Best Hospitals" issues of 2004 and 2005, the Rush University Medical Center Orthopaedic Program was nationally ranked as the #10 and #8 orthopaedic program respectively. The annual special report evaluated orthopaedic programs nationwide based on several requirements, including reputation, mortality ratio, discharges over the past three years, nurse-to-patient index, nurse Magnet facility status, patient and community services, key technologies, and trauma services.

"Our physicians, along with Rush, are dedicated to the goal of providing the world's best orthopaedic patient care, education, and research." stated Gunnar Andersson, MD, PhD, chairperson of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center and partner with Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR). "The physicians of MOR are extremely proud of the building success of this program which validates our vision, along with Rush, of providing the world's best orthopaedic patient care, education, and research." stated Dr. Andersson. The Rush University Medical Center orthopaedic medical staff is comprised primarily of the physicians of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush.

The research and patient care collaboration between Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and Rush University Medical Center allow progressive treatment alternatives including minimally invasive joint replacement and spine surgery, ACL and rotator cuff repairs, cartilage restoration, arthroscopic knee, shoulder, and elbow repair, and minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery.

"I believe that the program can achieve an even greater status," says Dr. Andersson, noting that the Rush University Medical Center Orthopaedic Program ranked among the survey's best in nearly every category. "As we continue to pioneer advancements in orthopaedic medical science, the stature of the program will only continue to increase," he added.

The 30 + physicians of MOR, a highly subspecialized orthopaedic private group practice, hold academic appointments at Rush Medical College and are active in research. They are also board certified and fellowship trained in their subspecialty. In addition to treating patients at Rush University Medical Center, the MOR physicians also provide services at Central DuPage and Rush Oak Park Hospitals and are team physicians for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls.

For more information about the physicians at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, or the U.S.News & World Report magazine "Best Hospitals 2006" special issue, call us toll free at 877 MD BONES.

U.S.News & World Report Best Hospitals Survey