Ten years on top: MUSC celebrates strong run as best hospital in state

MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston, part of MUSC Health Charleston, is celebrating a decade of success. It’s been named the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina by U.S. News & World Report for the 10th year in a row. 

‌‌Medical University of South Carolina President David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, called it a point of pride. “This extraordinary level of sustained achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire MUSC community,” he said.

The Best Hospitals rankings are designed “to help people find the best care when they need it most,” according to the rankings’ website.

Finding the best care can involve more than figuring out which hospitals lead the way. It may also mean taking a more nuanced look at specialty programs within hospitals. U.S. News & World Report offers its take on those as well, analyzing data from across the country. Programs at multiple MUSC Health hospitals made the cut.

Nationally ranked programs

Two specialty programs at University Medical Center in Charleston achieved national rankings, meaning they’re among the best in the country. 

To put that in perspective, U.S. News & World Report analyzed about 5,000 hospitals and surveyed about 30,000 physicians. Only 160 hospitals ranked in at least one of the specialties.

The two nationally ranked specialties at MUSC Health University Medical Center are Obstetrics & Gynecology, which came in at No. 30, and Ear, Nose & Throat, ranked No. 36. Both programs are familiar with high rankings, having achieved them many times before.

Obstetrics & Gynecology

The national ranking for OB-GYN highlights the work of a team of more than 40 doctors and researchers in the Lowcountry. Their expertise enables them to work with women throughout patients’ lifetimes. Women see OB-GYN doctors and nurses for a range of issues, including maintaining good health, contraceptive management, obstetrical care, gynecological surgery and easing the symptoms of menopause.

Donna Johnson, M.D., chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, called the program’s continued success the result of a group effort. “Our department has worked hard to build a team of physicians with outstanding expertise in women's care. Being recognized nationally for the outstanding care we deliver is rewarding. Our goal is to continue to improve the health of women in South Carolina,” she said.

Ear, Nose & Throat

The ear, nose and throat team at MUSC Health University Medical Center is extensive as well. Like the OB-GYN team, the ENT doctors have undergone extra training in their specialty areas. They have expertise in diseases and disorders of the ears, nose and sinuses, salivary glands, voice and swallowing and vestibular and balance disorders. They also specialize in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck cancer, including the thyroid and parathyroid.

Robert Labadie, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, noted that while U.S. News has changed the way it reaches its rankings, his team continues to shine.

“This is a testament to our faculty who are nationally recognized in their areas of expertise, hold leadership positions in national societies and are successful at obtaining research funding,” Labadie said.

High-performing areas

MUSC Health hospitals also achieved “high-performing” status in multiple areas.

At MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston, high-performing areas include:

• Cancer
• Gastroenterology & GI surgery
• Rheumatology
• Urology
• Aortic valve surgery
• Colon cancer surgery
• Gynecological cancer surgery
• Heart attack
• Heart bypass surgery
• Heart failure
• Hip replacement
• Kidney failure
• Knee replacement
• Leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma
• Lung cancer surgery
• Pneumonia
• Prostate cancer surgery
• Stroke

At MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown and MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast, high- performing specialties include:

• Heart attack
• Heart bypass surgery
• Heart failure
• Hip replacement

Columbia Medical Center Downtown’s chief medical officer, Bill Phillips, M.D., said his hospital has long been known for high-quality heart and vascular care. The facility became part of MUSC Health in 2021.

“We have a very high-performing group of cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons here who are dedicated to patient care and quality outcomes. Now, we're part of MUSC – and this is just what MUSC does. It brings not only its reputation but also its excellence to our patients here,” Phillips said.

MUSC Health Florence Medical Center also earned high-performing marks in several areas, including:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Stroke

Regional Medical Center (now MUSC Health-Orangeburg) was rated high-performing when it came to heart failure treatment.

Orangeburg is a recent addition to MUSC Health. Just last year, state lawmakers and elected leaders of Orangeburg and Calhoun counties invited MUSC Health to partner with the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg to help the hospital emerge from a difficult period linked to the pandemic.

Walter Bennett III, chief executive officer of the hospital, is pleased to see the success of that partnership borne out. “MUSC Health-Orangeburg’s U.S. News & World Report ranking is a testament to the commitment that our physicians and staff have for the communities that we serve. We are proud of the compassion, dedication and skill they bring to our hospital, ensuring our patients receive the best quality care possible.”