Allegheny General Hospital Web site: www.wpahs.org/aghint Allegheny General Hospital has been named among the 25 best medical centers in America in a survey published this year in Modern Maturity magazine, which ranked the hospitalís renal program No. 1 in the nation and its heart program No. 2 in the country. For the past six years, Allegheny General has been rated among Americaís best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. Leading health care industry research analyst HCIA-Sachs has rated it among the best in several categories. Over the same time period, consumers in the Pittsburgh region voted Allegheny General the most preferred provider in annual polls conducted by the National Research Corp. The hospital has earned a reputation for exceptional expertise in transplant surgery; cardiology; cardiothoracic surgery; diagnostic radiology; ear, nose and throat care; gastroenterol ogy; obstetrics and gynecology; oncology; ophthalmology; orthopedic surgery; pediatrics; pulmonary medicine; and womenís care. In addition, it serves as a level I trauma center for a five-state region of northeast United States. The new Allegheny Cancer Center brings the latest cancer-fighting technology, procedures and protocols under one roof along with some of the nationís leading cancer specialists. The center serves as host to the nationís largest study on breast and bowel cancer, as well as scores of other cancer trials, and it has a multi-disciplinary approach to treating cancer. An active, full-service international center provides assistance for international patients requiring visas, accommodations, interpreter services, transportation and other services. For assistance, please contact Dru Ann Delgado, patient care coordinator, at (412) 359-5269 or email at delgado@wpahs.org. The Cleveland Clinic Web site: www.clevelandclinic.org The Cleveland Clinic is the third best hospital in America, according to U.S. News & World Report, and has the nationís No. 1 heart center. Millions of people come to The Cleveland Clinic every year from throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. A not-for-profit group practice, The Cleveland Clinic has technologically advanced hospital facilities, scientific research laboratories and an extensive outpatient practice. There are approximately 1,100 full-time physicians on staff representing more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties. Specialty centers include The Cleveland Clinic Childrenís Hospital, the Center for the Spine, the Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Urological Institute, Digestive Disease Center and Neurosciences Center. Through the Taussig Cancer Center, the clinic offers the full range of cancer treatments, including radiosurgery for cancer and one of North Americaís premier Gamma Knife practices. In addition to offices in Cleveland, Ohio, The Cleveland Clinic has hospital and clinic locations in Weston and Naples, Florida. The Cleveland Clinic operates one of the largest graduate education programs in the country and has trained doctors from around the world. The International Center provides full service support for the special needs of international patients and their families including travel, finance and interpretive service. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact the International Center at (800) 218-1888. The George Washington University Hospital International Patient Services Web site: www.gwhospital.com The George Washington University Hospital offers state-of-the-art technology and superior patient care. With the most high-tech equipment for medically advanced procedures, GW physicians are known for their expertise in cardiac care, cancer, neurology, orthopedics, advanced surgical techniques, and obstetrics and gynecology. International patients and their families are provided with highly personalized services at the hospital. Patients are assisted with scheduling medical appointments, financial estimates, medical consultations, and travel and hotel arrangements. After reviewing a patientís medical history and reports, a list of items necessary for treatment and estimated fees for service are provided. Financial arrangements can be made with referring employers and insurance companies. Discounts are offered to individuals who choose to pay in advance. On Aug. 23, a new $96 million hospital will open to the public with expanded operating rooms, new medical equipment, private patient rooms and the most modern amenities. For more information, please contact Helen Salazar, director of international business development, at (202) 715-4014 or email at hsalazar@gwu-hospital.com. Georgetown University Hospital Web site: www.georgetownuniversityhospital.org Georgetown University Hospital is the national capital areaís most recognized academic teaching hospital. Since its founding in 1898, the hospital has been dedicated to promoting health through education, research and patient care. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Georgetown University Hospital among the best hospitals in the nation for 12 years in a row. Georgetown University Hospital is a 609-licensed bed facility with 1,100 physicians. Clinical specialties include: The Transplant Institute and International Center for Liver Disease, cardiac services, neurosciences, gastroenterology and cancer. The Lombardi Cancer Institute is the only facility in the Washington, D.C., area designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a comprehensive cancer center. For additional information, please contact Tracy Cox at (202) 784-3519 or email at TMC29@gunet.georgetown.edu. Mercy Hospital Web site: www.mercymiami.org Mercy Hospitalís International Services Department in Miami offers comprehensive concierge services including assistance with travel planning, immigration documents and financial/insurance matters. Patients have access to private registration, consult scheduling, translation services and a patient center with a private waiting area and a fully equipped business center. For more information, please call (305) 285-2735 or email international@mercymiami.org. The Methodist Hospital Web site: www.methodisthealth.com/international The Methodist Hospital has earned an international reputation as one of the leading, most respected health care facilities in the United States. Located in Houstonís world-renowned Texas Medical Center, Methodist treats thousands of international patients each year. It operates information centers in Mexico and Guatemala and is affiliated with hospitals and physicians from all over the world. Methodist has been listed by U.S. News & World Report as one of the countryís top hospitals in numerous clinical specialties including urology, neurology and otolaryngology. As the primary adult teaching facility for Baylor College of Medicine, one of the nationís leading institutions for medical education and research, Methodist is able to direct millions of dollars in research funds to innovative programs. Such programs or Centers of Excellence include the DeBakey Heart Center, The Urology Institute, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, The Stroke Center and The International Multiple Sclerosis Center. For more information, please contact International Patient Services at (713) 790-5696 or email methodistinternational@tmh.tmc.edu. Mount Sinai Hospital in New York Web site: www.mountsinai.org With state-of-the-art technologies and top-rated patient care, Mount Sinai Hospital is an ideal destination for nearly every health need. Mount Sinai is widely considered the most modern medical facility in New York City. Innovations include the latest technologies for diagnosing and treating heart disease, one of the most comprehensive liver disease programs in the nation, one of the largest organ transplant programs in the world, and one of the most advanced centers for minimally invasive surgery anywhere. Overlooking New Yorkís famous Central Park, Mount Sinai offers patients highly personalized attention. For more information, please contact Ed Muraski, director of International Patient Services, at (212) 241-5847, or email the International Center at international@mssm.edu. National Rehabilitation Hospital Web site: www.nrhrehab.org As Washington, D.C.ís only comprehensive hospital dedicated solely to medical rehabilitation, the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) welcomes international patients with a host of special services that are designed to make them feel comfortable and well cared for. Patients from more than 24 countries have sought rehabilitation care at what is consistently listed by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. In addition, NRH provides excellent rehabilitation services to patients and professionals who are not in proximity to the hospital. The NRH Telehealth Center is equipped to provide individual consultation and diagnostic services anywhere in the world for patients with rehabilitation needs related to stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injuries, amputation and skin care. NRH also provides education and training services to meet the needs of rehabilitation professionals and facilities abroad. For more information, please contact Wendy Baynard, MSW, director of International and Telehealth Programs, at (202) 877-1775 or 1779 or email at Wendy.F.Baynard@MedStar.net. University Hospitals of Cleveland (U.H.H.S.) Web site: www.uhhs.com This 947-bed tertiary medical center is a nonprofit teaching hospital affiliated with the medical school at Case Western Reserve University. The hospital is the largest center for biomedical research in Ohio and has 25,000 physicians, nurses and support staff. University Hospitals of Cleveland has 11 hospitals, including Rainbow Babies and Childrenís Hospital, one of the leading pediatric facilities in the country. Rainbow attracts patients from all over the world with its specialty of pediatric cardiology. University Hospitals of Cleveland has a center for international relations that assists overseas patients with everything from travel and banking services to language translators. For further information or medical appointments, please contact Ronald J. Chufo, director of the Center for International Relations, at (216) 844-5801 or fax to (216) 844-5203. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Web site: www.upmc.edu UPMC Health System is one of the United Statesís premier centers for medical care, research and education. Ranking among the ìbest of the bestî in U.S. News & World Reportís rankings for the past four years and the top recipients of National Institutes of Health research funding, the University of Pittsburgh-affiliated Health System helps set the standard for health care in America. UPMC offers a range of hospitality, translation, medical, cultural and financial services to ensure international patients and their families receive the highest standard of coordinated care. These services begin before the patient arrives and continue long after treatment. For more information, please call (800) 533-8762 or email internationalcenter@upmc.edu. University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Web site: www.mdanderson.org At the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the sole focus is on cancer. At the 4 million-square-foot campus in Houston, Texas, nearly 500 clinical doctors and 11,000 employees build on 60 years of groundbreaking discovery and experience in patient-focused treatment to provide adults, adolescents and children with their best hope for survival. Patients can fill out a self-referral form and get additional information on the Web site at www.mdanderson.org. The International Center provides a range of services dedicated to meeting the unique needs of international patients. For more information, please call (713) 745-0450 or fax (713) 745-0456. Washington Hospital Center Web site: www.whcenter.org Extraordinary competence, compassion and leadership have marked Washington Hospital Centerís more than 40 years of service. With 907 beds, the Washington Hospital Center is the largest hospital in the nationís capital. The Hospital Center offers a nationally ranked cardiac care program, a comprehensive cancer institute, an extensive organ transplant program, a full range of womenís services, MedStar transport, one of the nationís top trauma centers, and the most advanced adult burn facility in the region. HCIA and The Health Network named the Washington Hospital Centeróa not-for-profit, community based, academic medical centeró among the nationís top 100 hospitals. Washington Hospital Center was also ranked among the nationís best in the 2001 edition of ìAmericaís Best Hospitals,î issued annually by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, please contact Brian Miller in the International Services Department at (202) 877-2102 or email at Brian.P.Miller@MedStar.net. Washington University Medical Center Web site: www.bjc.org/medexchange Washington University Medical Center is among the top 10 medical institutions in the country, which receives the third highest National Institutes of Health funding in the country. The Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) is the No. 3 medical school in the United States. Exceptional medical care makes the center: the largest provider of endovascular surgery; the center with the best outcomes for lung volume reduction; the only center that performs nerve transplant surgery; a leader in bone marrow transplants; the best in selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) for the treatment of pediatric cerebral palsy; and a leading provider of innovative, cutting-edge therapy for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. International Healthcare Services (IHS) is built on a network of 13,000 physicians in more than 70 countries worldwide. For further information, please contact Dr. Maged M. Hassan at (314) 747-8374 or email at mmh6070@bjc.org.