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. Dr. Adrian Hosten, chair of medicine, says the Hospital is extremely proud of its record in in managing the disease, and cites integrated medical care and outreach as leading factors in the Hospital's success. The Hospital ranked 40th among the nation's top 50 hospitals in the treatment 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. Patient representatives serve as advocates for patients who require specific medical or social services. In both categories, Howard University Hospital was cited for having an emergency trauma center, as well as its membership in the Council of Teaching Hospitals. In fact, Howard University Hospital is the nation's only teaching hospital owned and operated by an Historically Black College or University. 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.