We are extremely proud of the excellent medical services delivered in these two areas, which are reflective of the overall quality of care, said Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert. Howard University Hospital has delivered excellent health care since 1862, and in doing so has clearly distinguished itself as a pioneer in research, an innovator in the delivery of medical services, and a champion of community health care initiatives. The Hospital, the first to identify the red blood cell as a model for insulin receptors, ranked 19th among the nation's top 50 hospitals in the treatment of hormonal disorders. Hormonal and glandular imbalances can produce conditions such as diabetes. The Hospital ranked 4Oth among the nation's top 50 hospitals in the specialty area of rheumatology.
Rheumatologists help arthritics and others suffering from inflammatory disorders.
In this specialty area, the Hospital received a perfect score of three in the discharge planning category, indicating the delivery of key services including patient education, case management and patient representatives. The 1999 survey ranks the nation's top 50 hospitals in 12 medical specialties and the top three percent in four other specialties, all assessed using a three-part model that combines reputation, death rate and a set of other medical data. Interim Chief Nurse Velma Henderson, RN, MS, was recently reappointed to the Mayor's Health Policy Council. Chaired by Bailus Walker Jr., Ph.D., MPH, The Health Policy Council assists the District of Columbia in developing health policy options that are consistent with transformation initiatives to improve health care delivery in the city. Ms. Henderson co-chairs the Council's Primary Care Network Development Committee along with Dr Ronald David, medical director of the Public Benefits Corporation.