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Awards & Recognitions

UK HealthCare has grown dramatically over the past decade to meet the health needs of the Commonwealth. We offer many clinical and support services, and have been recognized numerous times for our top-quality medical care. Below is a list of UK HealthCare’s recognitions.

2024

UK HealthCare’s performance in the 2024-25 Best Hospitals rankings

For the ninth consecutive year, the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital at UK HealthCare has been named the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings and ratings.

For the eighth straight year, the UK Markey Cancer Center has earned a top 50 national ranking for cancer care in the Best Hospitals rankings. Our Ear, Nose and Throat and OB-GYN programs also were recognized among the top 50 programs of their kind in the nation.

In a newly introduced category, our hospital received designation as Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access, recognizing our success in caring for patients in underserved communities. Ours was the only hospital in Kentucky to receive this designation.

Additionally, six adult specialties at UK HealthCare and 14 common adult procedures and conditions received a high-performing designation.

Nationally ranked

Our High Performing Specialties

Our High Performing Procedures and Conditions*

*High Performing is the top rating in this category

2023

UK HealthCare’s performance in the 2023-24 Best Hospitals rankings:

For the eighth consecutive year, the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital at UK HealthCare has been named the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region by the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings and ratings.

For the seventh straight year, the UK Markey Cancer Center has earned a top 50 national ranking for cancer care in the Best Hospitals rankings. Our Ear, Nose and Throat and OB-GYN programs also were recognized among the top 50 programs of their kind in the nation.

Additionally, one adult specialty at UK HealthCare and 13 common adult procedures and conditions received a high-performing designation.

Nationally ranked

Our High Performing Specialties

  • Gastroenterology & GI Surgery

Our High Performing Procedures and Conditions*

*High Performing is the top rating in this category

Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation

2022 - 2026 Society for Pediatric Sedation Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation badgeThe Society of Pediatric Sedation recognized the Kentucky Children’s Hospital Circle of Blue Sedation and Procedure Unit as a Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation. KCH has received this designation twice as meeting or exceeding the standards of care outlined by the SPS, making us one of the first four children’s hospitals in the country to achieve this recognition.

National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence

National Pancreas Foundation Centers of ExcellenceUK HealthCare’s Digestive Health Program has been recognized as a Center of Excellence by the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF), one of only 164 NPF Centers across the nation. NPF Centers are awarded after a rigorous audit review to determine that an institution’s focus is on multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatitis, treating the “whole patient” in hopes of achieving the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.

2022

UK HealthCare’s performance in the 2022-23 Best Hospitals rankings:

For the seventh consecutive year, the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital at UK HealthCare has been named the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region by the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings and ratings.

For the sixth straight year, the UK Markey Cancer Center has earned a top 50 national ranking for cancer care in the 2022-23 Best Hospitals rankings.

Additionally, two adult specialties at UK HealthCare and 10 common adult procedures and conditions received a high-performing designation.

Nationally ranked

Our High Performing Specialties

Our High Performing Procedures and Conditions*

*High Performing is the top rating in this category.

Recognized as a Healthcare Equality Leader

The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital and Eastern State Hospital, a state-owned facility managed by UK HealthCare, were recognized as “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in its 2022 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The HEI is the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.

2021

UK HealthCare’s performance in the 2021-22 Best Hospitals rankings:

USNWR BadgeFor the sixth consecutive year, the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital at UK HealthCare has been named the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region by the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings and ratings.

For the fifth straight year, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center has earned a top 50 national ranking for cancer care in the 2021-22 Best Hospitals rankings.

Additionally, four adult specialties at UK HealthCare and 10 common adult procedures and conditions received a high-performing designation.

Nationally ranked

Our High Performing Specialties

Our High Performing Procedures and Conditions*

*High Performing is the top rating in this category.

ANCC Magnet RecognitionUK HealthCare and Eastern State Hospital have earned Magnet designation, the highest institutional honor for nursing excellence granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program.  

Less than 10 percent of U.S. hospitals currently have Magnet status. Health care organizations earn the distinction by satisfying rigorous criteria measuring strength and quality of nursing. Magnet status recognizes environments that the ANCC believes attract and retain high-quality nurses who provide exceptional patient care.

2020

UK HealthCare’s performance in the 2020-21 Best Hospitals rankings:

US News

For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital at UK HealthCare has been named the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region by the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings and ratings.

For the fourth straight year, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center has earned a top 50 national ranking for cancer care, climbing to No. 29 in the 2020-21 Best Hospitals rankings.

Additionally, five adult specialties at UK HealthCare and seven common adult procedures and conditions received a high-performing designation.

 

Nationally ranked

Our High Performing Specialties

Our High Performing Procedures and Conditions*

*High Performing is the top rating in this category.

2019

Best Doctors in America® 2019-2020

UK HealthCare has 155 physicians practicing medicine with University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital, UK Good Samaritan Hospital who appear on the Best Doctors in America List for 2019 — more than any other hospital in Kentucky. Only four percent of doctors in America earn this prestigious honor, decided by impartial peer review.

The experts who are part of the Best Doctors in America database provide the most advanced medical expertise and knowledge to patients with serious conditions – often saving lives in the process by finding the right diagnosis and right treatment. See list of UK HealthCare Best Doctors for 2019-2020 »

#1 Hospital in Kentucky

Proof that the best care is right here

For the fourth year in a row, UK HealthCare has been named the #1 hospital in Kentucky by U.S. News & World Report, with our own Markey Cancer Center ranked among the best cancer centers in the nation. Read more. 

2018

4 programs ranked in the nation's Top 50 by U.S. News & World Report

We have once again been named the #1 hospital in Kentucky by U.S. News & World Report, and with four specialties ranked in the top 50 nationwide, we’re thrilled to continue to be recognized for our world-class care.

Markey Cancer Center earns five-year NCI designation renewal

The UK Markey Cancer Center was first designated by the National Cancer Institute in 2013 – a distinction that recognizes our extraordinary ability to provide world-class care for our patients. We are the only NCI-designated cancer center in Kentucky and one of only 70 in the nation. In 2018, our center earned a five year NCI-designation renewal. 

Best Doctors in AmericaⓇ 2017-2018

UK HealthCare has 133 physicians practicing medicine with University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital and UK Good Samaritan Hospital who appear on the Best Doctors in America List for 2017-18 – more than any other hospital in Kentucky. Only four percent of doctors in America earn this prestigious honor, decided by impartial peer review.

The experts who are part of the Best Doctors in America database provide the most advanced medical expertise and knowledge to patients with serious conditions – often saving lives in the process by finding the right diagnosis and right treatment. Read more.

Becker's Hospital Review

UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital has again been named among the 100 Great Hospitals in America by Becker’s Hospital Review, a recognition of our excellence in clinical care, patient outcomes, and staff and physician satisfaction. Read more about this recognition.

Get With The Guidelines®- Resuscitation Gold Award

UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute has received the Get With The Guideline®-Resuscitation Gold Award for implementing high-quality care procedures for patients who suffer cardiac arrests in the hospital. Read more about this award.

Stroke awards and designations

The stroke center at UK Chandler Hospital was the first in the region to be designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

UK HealthCare’s Kentucky Neuroscience Institute (KNI) has received the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for maintaining nationally recognized standards for the treatment of stroke patients.

Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation

The Society of Pediatric Sedation recognized the Kentucky Children’s Hospital Circle of Blue Sedation and Procedure Unit as a Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation. KCH is one of six children’s hospitals in the country that meets or exceeds the standards of care outlined by the SPS.

UK HealthCare Primary Care Pediatrics Clinic

UK HealthCare Primary Care Pediatrics Clinic recognized by American Academy of Pediatrics as a model for implementation of early childhood screenings. The clinic is one of 20 nationwide selected to implement and improve early childhood screenings, referrals and follow-ups. From these 20, eight, including UK, serve as case studies to model screening processes and teach other practices successful strategies.

Healthcare Equality Index Leader status

Healthcare Equality Index Leader status for 2018, 2017 and 2016, awarded by the Human Rights Campaign. The HEI is a guide to ensure organizations are taking steps to provide equitable and inclusive treatment for LGBTQ patients, families and employees.

National Gold Certified Safe Sleep Hospital

KCH named a National Gold Certified Safe Sleep Hospital by the Cribs for Kids National Infant Safe Sleep Initiative, making it the only one in the state.

Rising Star Award

UK HealthCare has received this year’s Rising Star Award from Vizient, the nation’s largest healthcare performance-improvement company.

The Rising Star Award recognizes academic medical centers that have made significant improvements in their year-over-year rankings in Vizient's annual Quality and Accountability Study, which identifies exemplary performance in safety, mortality, clinical effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and equity of care.

2017

Best Doctors in AmericaⓇ 2017-2018

UK HealthCare has 133 physicians practicing medicine with University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital and UK Good Samaritan Hospital who appear on the Best Doctors in America List for 2017-18 – more than any other hospital in Kentucky. Only four percent of doctors in America earn this prestigious honor, decided by impartial peer review.

The experts who are part of the Best Doctors in America database provide the most advanced medical expertise and knowledge to patients with serious conditions – often saving lives in the process by finding the right diagnosis and right treatment.

See the 2017-18 UK HealthCare Best Doctors in America listing.

U.S. News & World Report

UK HealthCare’s University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital remains the No. 1 hospital in Kentucky and the Bluegrass Region, according to the U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals Rankings. In addition, four major health care areas have achieved top 50 national rankings, three of them for the first time. UK HealthCare Top 50 rankings included: #50 in Cancer, #44 in Neurology and Neurosurgery, #43 in Geriatrics, and #37 in Diabetes and Endocrinology. Read more about our rankings.

Learn how this award reflects Markey Cancer Center's work in Kentucky »

Quality Achievement Award

UK HealthCare’s Kentucky Neuroscience Institute (KNI) has received the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for maintaining nationally recognized standards for the treatment of stroke patients. Learn more about the Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award »

Becker’s Hospital Review 

UK HealthCare named to Becker’s Hospital Review 2017 list of “100 hospitals and health systems with great neurosurgery and spine programs.”

Kentucky Neuroscience Institute

Kentucky Neuroscience Institute named a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence by the ALS Association. There are fewer than 50 designated centers across the country, and the KNI is the only one in Kentucky.

UK Comprehensive Breast Care Center

HealthCare receives Women’s Choice Award in cancer care and for the UK Comprehensive Breast Care Center. For the last three years (as of July 2017), UK HealthCare has earned the Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals.

2016

U.S. News Names UK HealthCare State's Best

UK HealthCare’s Albert B. Chandler Hospital has been named No. 1 in Kentucky in the U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals rankings released Aug. 2, 2016. It also is the only hospital in the state rated as High Performing in cancer.

In addition to being named the top hospital in Kentucky, UK HealthCare is ranked 45 nationally in Geriatrics. In addition to cancer, we are considered High Performing in five other specialty areas: Diabetes & Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Pulmonology. 

Lifeline® Receiving Center Recognition Award

The Gill Heart Institute has been recognized by the American Heart Association for their high quality treatment of STEMI patients with a 2016 Mission: Lifeline® Receiving Center BRONZE Recognition Award.

Quality Achievement Award

UK HealthCare’s Kentucky Neuroscience Institute (KNI) has received the Get With The Guidelines – Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for maintaining nationally recognized standards for the treatment of stroke patients.

UK HealthCare Earns Prestigious Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence

UK HealthCare has achieved Magnet status – the highest institutional honor for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program. Out of nearly 6,000 health care organizations in the United States, less than 7 percent have achieved Magnet designation.

Becker’s Hospital Review

UK HealthCare listed to Becker’s “100 Great Hospitals in America” for 2016-17.

Markey Cancer Center named to “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs” list by Becker’s Hospital Review.

UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health

UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health was one of seven MediStar honorees, receiving the A.O. Sullivan Award for Excellence in Education. Through partnerships with communities, providers, students and individuals, CERH provides health profession education, health policy research, health care service and community engagement.

Vizient 2016 Quality & Accountability Study

UK HealthCare was ranked 21 out of more than 100 academic medical centers in the Vizient 2016 Quality & Accountability Study, receiving four out of five stars.

2015

UK HealthCare Named a Top Performer by the Joint Commission

The Joint Commission, our accrediting body, has named UK HealthCare a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures. The award, presented in November 2015, is based on data collected in 2014. This award recognizes hospitals that attain and sustain excellence and shows our commitment to ensuring every patient gets the right interventions in the right way at the right time.

UK HealthCare was named a Top Performer in seven categories: Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia, Surgical Care, Children's Asthma, Stroke and Perinatal Care.

Internal Medicine Group Receives Kentucky Health It Innovation Award

UK Internal Medicine Group (IMG) was awarded the Kentucky Health IT Innovation Award from the Kentucky Regional Extension Center for its work in adopting electronic health records.

In 2014, IMG achieved Stage 2 Meaningful Use designation, making it a leader in eHealth among its peers. The Regional Extension Center noted that IMG’s early adoption of the electronic health records has paved the way for the group’s recognition as a medical home and prepared it for value-based payment.

Chandler Hospital Receives National Recognition From the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) has recognized Chandler Hospital, which includes surgeries performed at Good Samaritan Hospital and in UK’s outpatient-based Center for Advanced Surgery, as one of 52 ACS NSQIP participating hospitals that have achieved meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care.

ACS NSQIP is the only nationally validated quality improvement program that measures and enhances the care of surgical patients. This program measures the actual surgical results 30 days after surgery as well as compensates for differences among patient populations and degrees of sickness.

The program’s goal is to reduce infection or illness related to a surgical procedure or death related to a surgical procedure and to provide a firm foundation for surgeons to apply the best scientific evidence to the practice of surgery.

UK HealthCare Physicians Named to Best Doctors in America Listing for 2015

More than 125 UK HealthCare physicians affiliated with UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital and UK HealthCare Good Samaritan Hospital appear on the Best Doctors in America® List for 2015 - more than any other hospital in Kentucky. Only 5 percent of doctors in America earn this prestigious honor, decided by impartial peer review.

The Best Doctors in America list, assembled by Best Doctors Inc. and audited and certified by Gallup®, results from exhaustive polling of more than 40,000 physicians in the United States. Doctors in more than 40 specialties and 400 subspecialties of medicine appear on this year’s list. In a confidential review, current physician listees answer the question, “If you or a loved one needed a doctor in your specialty, to whom would you refer?” Best Doctors Inc. evaluates the review results, and verifies all additional information to meet detailed inclusion criteria.

Family & Community Medicine Earns National Designation

Faculty and staff in Family & Community Medicine recently received designation as a Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home by the  National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which elevates the practice to an elite status nationally. 

The NCQA’s designation recognizes use of evidence-based, patient-centered processes that promote teamwork and long-term relationships with patients. As well, it considers implementation of information technology that improves quality, patient experiences and reducing costs. 

Among other initiatives leading to the designation, Family & Community Medicine increased the number of nurse practitioner visits devoted to new patients and placed further emphasis on same-day appointments for existing patients. The designation is effective until July 2018.  

We Have Been Designated Baby-Friendly® for Our Gold Standard of Care

UK HealthCare has received prestigious international recognition as a Baby-friendly designated birth facility. The global hospital initiative is sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

Gill Heart Institute Receives Gold Quality Achievement Award

UK HealthCare's Gill Heart Institute has received the "Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation Gold Quality Achievement Award" for maintaining specific quality measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer cardiac arrests in the hospital.

Kentucky Hospital Association Honors Eastern State Hospital With 2015 Quality Award

The Kentucky Hospital Association presented a 2015 Quality Award to Eastern State Hospital on Friday during a special awards presentation by Board Chair Dennis Johnson held as part of the Kentucky Hospital Association Annual Conference in Lexington.

UK Ranked as Top-100 Hospital With Women's Health Program

The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital was recently ranked as a top-100 hospital with a women's health program by Becker's Hospital Review.

Becker's Hospital Review, a publication covering business and legal information in the health care industry, annually releases a list of the nation's top-100 hospitals offering exceptional women's health services. All hospitals selected for the 2014 list provide outstanding services geared toward women, which include gynecology, obstetrics, women-focused heart care and women-focused cancer care.

MediStar A.O. Sullivan Award for Excellence in Education

Kentucky Regional Extension Center received the MediStar A.O. Sullivan Award for Excellence in Education.

Get With The Guidelines, Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award

KNI receives Get With The Guidelines, Stroke Gold-Plus Quality Achievement Award.

2014

UK Receives Designation Renewal for Excellence in Life Support

University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital and Kentucky Children's Hospital have received their second straight Excellence in Life Support designation from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) for neonatal, pediatric and adult patients.

UK Named One of Top Hospitals with Great Oncology Programs

Becker’s Hospital Review magazine has listed the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital among the nation’s “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs” in its recently released compilation of leading cancer care providers in the United States. The UK Markey Cancer Center, whose clinical programs are integrated with Chandler, received a National Cancer Institute cancer center designation in July 2013.

U.S. News & World Report: Seven Specialties Listed as "High Performing"

U.S. News & World Report looked at data for nearly 5,000 hospitals along with results from surveys of more than 9,500 physicians to rank the best centers in 16 adult specialties from cancer to urology.

UK HealthCare was listed as "high performing" in these areas:

  • Cancer
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Geriatrics
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology & Neurosurgery
  • Orthopaedics
  • Pulmonology

UK Healthcare Recognized for Safety Initiative by National Hospital Association Gage Award

UK HealthCare was recognized by America’s Essential Hospitals for a patient safety initiative that resulted in a significant decrease in mortality at the hospital compared with the general population. America's Essential Hospitals, a national organization representing hospitals committed to high-quality care for all people, including the vulnerable, awarded UK HealthCare a 2014 Gage Award honorable mention for improving quality.

UK Healthcare Named a Top Performer by the Joint Commission

The Joint Commission, our accrediting body, has named us a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures. The award, presented in October 2013, is based on data collected in 2012. This award recognizes hospitals that attain and sustain excellence and shows our commitment to ensuring every patient gets the right interventions in the right way at the right time.

UK HealthCare was the only hospital in Kentucky to be named a Top Performer in five categories:

  • Children's Asthma
  • Heart Attack
  • Heart Failure
  • Pneumonia
  • Surgical Care

We're a Rising Star!

UK HealthCare has won a Rising Star Award from University HealthSystem Consortium, a group of the nation's top academic medical centers. The award recognizes our accomplishments in the quality of care we provide our patients every day.

Markey Earns Prestigious National Cancer Institute Designation

The UK Markey Cancer Center was joined by national, state and local leaders in July 2013 to celebrate its designation as a National Cancer Institute cancer center. The Markey Cancer Center was the 68th medical center in the country to receive this prestigious designation, and is the only NCI-designated cancer center in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

Quality Achievement Award

UK HealthCare's Stroke Program has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the program’s commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines.

UK HealthCare Physicians Named to Best Doctors in America Listing for 2014

More than 100 UK HealthCare physicians affiliated with UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital and UK HealthCare Good Samaritan Hospital appear on the Best Doctors in America® List for 2014 - more than any other hospital in Kentucky. Only 5 percent of doctors in America earn this prestigious honor, decided by impartial peer review.

The Best Doctors in America list, assembled by Best Doctors Inc. and audited and certified by Gallup®, results from exhaustive polling of more than 45,000 physicians in the United States. Doctors in more than 40 specialties and 400 subspecialties of medicine appear on this year’s list. In a confidential review, current physician listees answer the question, “If you or a loved one needed a doctor in your specialty, to whom would you refer?” Best Doctors Inc. evaluates the review results, and verifies all additional information to meet detailed inclusion criteria.

2013

UK HealthCare Physicians Named to 2013 Best Doctors in America® List

UK HealthCare has had 115 physicians included on the Best Doctors in America® List for 2013. Only five percent of doctors in America earn this prestigious honor, decided by impartial peer review.

Best Doctors is a product of validated peer review, in which doctors who excel in their specialties are selected by their peers in the profession. Best Doctors works with expert physicians from its Best Doctors in America® List to help its 30 million members worldwide get the right diagnosis and right treatment.

UK Stroke Program Receives Quality Achievement Award

UK HealthCare's Stroke Program has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the program’s commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines.

To receive the award, the UK HealthCare Stroke Program achieved 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Measures, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care.

2012

UK Chandler Hospital Is Ranked No. 1 in Kentucky

University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital has been ranked No. 1 in Kentucky in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals 2012-13 released on July 17. This is the first time state rankings have been included in the listing giving consumers a way to compare hospitals to other neighboring institutions across the state.

In addition to the top hospital ranking in the state, UK Chandler Hospital was nationally ranked in orthopaedics and listed as "High Performing" in 10 specialty areas. These clinical areas include Cancer, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Ear, Nose & Throat, Gastroenterology, Geriatrics, Gynecology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Pulmonology, and Urology. Overall, UK was among 140 of the 4,825 U.S. hospitals ranked in one or more 16 specialties. The orthopaedics program at UK Chandler Hospital was ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the top 50 hospitals nationwide for orthopaedic care.

UK HealthCare Stroke Program Gains National Recognition for Superior Quality

The UK HealthCare Kentucky Neuroscience Institute Stroke Program has once again been recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association with their "Get With The Guidelines" Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. 

The award recognizes UK HealthCare's commitment and success in implementing excellent, evidence-based care for stroke patients. 

To receive the award, a hospital must achieve at least 85 percent adherence to all "Get With The Guidelines" stroke quality achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals, and achieve 75 percent or higher compliance with at least six of 10 stroke quality measures. These measures include appropriate use of life-saving medications and lifestyle/behavior modifications, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.

University of Kentucky Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Recognized by the NAEC as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center

Level 4 epilepsy centers have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.

It is the second year UK HealthCare has received the highest level awarded by the national group, The National Association of Epilepsy Centers. 

Doctors at the Gill Heart Institute Performed the First Known Triple Ablation Surgery

The procedure consists of inserting a catheter inserted into a patient's blood vessels to remove a faulty electrical pathway and tissue from the patient's heart. Typically, the catheter is placed into the patient's femoral artery, internal jugular or subclavian vein. The catheter is guided toward the heart, and high-frequency electrical impulses are used to induce the arrhythmia and then destroy (or ablate) the abnormal tissue causing it. Those can be in limited area or larger areas, depending of the nature of the arrhythmia.

"Performing two ablations during one procedure is commonly done, but three with this complexity is basically unheard of," said Dr. Samy Claude Elayi, a cardiologist with the Gill Heart Institute. "But in this patient's case, despite the risk, I believed that we could perform three ablations - one for her ventricular tachycardia, one for atrial fibrillation and a third for her atrial flutter, to be effective and do everything when we are in the heart." 

UK First in Kentucky to Implant Syncardia Total Artificial Heart

The University of Kentucky today announced the state's first implantation of the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart as a bridge to transplant. UK is one of 29 medical centers in the country certified to perform this procedure.

The Total Artificial Heart (TAH) is a device that contains the same components as a real human heart. For patients who are dying of end-stage biventricular failure, the only options are an immediate donor human heart or a TAH as a bridge to transplant. The TAH helps keep patients healthy while waiting on a viable donor heart to become available — which could take weeks, months, or even years.

Region's First Robotic Hybrid Operating Room to Open at UK Chandler Hospital

The University of Kentucky will open one of the country's largest hybrid operating rooms — the first of its kind in the region — as well as eight new, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose operating rooms, in the next few weeks, as the most recent phase of construction and expansion at the UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital is completed.

The latest phase completed includes the unique hybrid operating room which combines the most advanced and high-quality imaging technology with surgical operative capabilities to create a unique operating room environment as well as:

  • 42 bed pre-operative and post anesthesia care unit (PACU)
  • Surgical pathology area
  • Family waiting area
  • Anesthesia workspace and offices
  • Staff lounges and conference room
  • Central Sterile Supply

Markey Cancer Center Became the First Medical Center in the State to Use Tomosynthesis

The Comprehensive Breast Care Center at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center will begin offering state-of-the-art digital tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening. UK will be the only medical center in the state with this new technology.

Tomosynthesis is 3-D technology that allows radiologists to see individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissues. In addition to providing the traditional top and side images of the breasts taken during a regular mammogram, tomosynthesis also allows the technician to take multiple X-ray pictures of each breast from many angles. A computer then combines all this information into one 3-D image.

UK Becomes Fifth Medical Center in U.S. to Receive Triple Designation for ECMO

University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital and Kentucky Children's Hospital have been awarded the Excellence in Life Support designation from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO). The award recognizes UK's commitment to using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for inpatients experiencing acute failure of the cardiorespiratory system.

Get With The Guidelines Resuscitation

UK HealthCare awarded Get With The Guidelines Resuscitation Bronze Quality Achievement Award from American Heart Association.

2011

Best Doctors in America®

Best Doctors® surveyed 40,000 physicians nationwide and asked them: “If you or a loved one needed a doctor in your specialty, to whom would you refer them?” The 2011 list of the “Best Doctors in America” includes UK HealthCare physicians who are recognized by other physicians as the best in their disciplines.

Emergency Nurses Association Recognized UK Chandler Ed With the 2011 Lantern Award

A hospital emergency department has to be prepared at all times for worst case scenarios when patients who are suffering anything from sudden or chronic illness to trauma come through the door, and UK Chandler Hospital has been recognized as being among the best emergency departments in the nation by the Emergency Nursing Association's (ENA).

UK Chandler Hospital Emergency Department was one of 20 recipients of the first-ever Lantern Award given to emergency departments that exemplify exceptional and innovative performance in the core areas of leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

Comprehensive Breast Care Center Named Breast Imaging Center of Excellence

The Comprehensive Breast Care Center was recognized by American College of Radiology Commission on Quality & Safety (3-year accreditation). In the official evaluation, the NAPBC surveyor described the Comprehensive Breast Care Center as a "model breast program" that provided patients excellent services in areas including rehabilitation, genetics, clinical trials and education.

Gill Heart Cardiac Rehab Accredited by AACVPR

The UK HealthCare Gill Heart Institute Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has received certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This certification recognizes the UK program for its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems to recover faster and improve their quality of life. These programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

Emergency Medicine and Radiology Patient Care Recognized

Emergency medicine and radiology patient care providers at UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital have been recognized for using Lean-based management techniques to improve turnaround times for computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) patients by 36 percent leading to a potential savings of 10,000 patient care hours in the ED per year.

Dr. Roger Humphries, chair of the UK Department of Emergency Medicine, presented the abstract at the American College of Emergency Physicians’ (ACEP) 2011 Research Forum, the premiere, annual scientific research event focused on the latest advances in the practice of emergency medicine held Oct. 15-18 in San Francisco. Co-authors of the study are Patrick M. Russell, Ryan J. Pennington, and Karsten D. Colwell.

UK Good Samaritan Hospital Nurses Earn Pathway to Excellence Designation

The Pathway to Excellence® Program recognizes a healthcare organization's commitment to creating a positive nursing practice environment. The Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care™ program is the first to recognize this type of supportive work setting specifically in long-term care facilities. Pathway organizations focus on collaboration, career development, and accountable leadership to empower nurses.

Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award

UK Stroke Program earns Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award.

2010

American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get With the Guidelines” Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award

The UK HealthCare Kentucky Neuroscience Institute Stroke Program has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get With The Guidelines” Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes UK HealthCare and the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute for commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

To receive the “Get With The Guidelines” Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award, the UK Stroke Program achieved at least 12 consecutive months of 85 percent or higher adherence to all AHA stroke performance achievement indicators, and concurrently achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with at least six out of ten stroke quality measures.

2009

U.S. News and World Report Ranks UK Chandler Hospital Among Nation's Best Hospitals 2009-10

The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital is ranked among the nation's top hospitals for 2009-10 by U.S. News and World Report. UK Chandler Hospital's ear, nose and throat (33) and gynecology (40) programs are recognized in the study of almost 5,000 hospitals nationwide. UK is one of only 174 hospitals to receive specialty rankings after evaluation.

"The elite hospitals evaluated in U.S. News and World Report's rankings are judged on how well they handle difficult cases in varying specialties," said Dr. Michael Karpf, UK executive vice president for health affairs. "These hospitals are well-known for their ability to excel when a patient needs advanced clinical care and technologies. When complex care is needed, you want the best, and Kentuckians can be confident that they can find nationally recognized, quality care here within the state. Our improvements in this year's rankings confirm our dedication and commitment as a leader in health care for our Commonwealth, and encourage all faculty, staff and students as UK strives to reach Top 20 status among the nation's universities."

This year's rankings surpassed last year's scores, with ear, nose and throat moving up 11 spots and gynecology increasing by two.

2009 Best Doctors in America

This year’s list of the “Best Doctors in America” includes 123 UK HealthCare physicians. UK HealthCare’s list of Best Doctors has grown from 64 physicians listed in 2005.

“Successful recruitment of stellar medical staff provides the underpinning to our philosophy that no matter what type of health care problems you have, you don’t have to leave Kentucky to get the care you need,” said Dr. Michael Karpf, UK’s executive vice president for health affairs.

Improvements in the quality and range of the clinical faculty are the result of a deliberate effort on the part of UK HealthCare. Part of being a “Top 20” academic medical center is having the depth and breadth of clinical expertise to provide the most advanced, complex medical care. 

Joint Commission LVAD Advanced Certification, UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital

Kentucky Children's Hospital Trauma Center Verified

Kentucky Children's Hospital has been verified as a Pediatric Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.

This designation recognizes the hospital's dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients. To be verified, trauma centers must meet criteria outlined by the committee to ensure trauma care and institutional performance.

The three-year approval given to Kentucky Children's Hospital is the highest level available. This signifies that the children's hospital and UK Chandler Hospital are leaders in pediatric trauma care for Central and Eastern Kentucky, says Dr. Joseph A. Iocono, director of the pediatric trauma program at the children's hospital and assistant professor of surgery and pediatrics in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

UK Receives American Stroke Association Award

The Kentucky Neuroscience Institute has received the American Stroke Association’s Get With the GuidelinesSM–Stroke (GWTG–Stroke) Bronze Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes the UK HealthCare stroke program's commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

2008

UK Doctors Named Among Top Five in the South for Orthopaedics and Cancer Care for Women

A pair of University of Kentucky doctors have been named among the top five doctors in the south for orthopaedics and cancer care for women. Dr. Paul DePriest and Dr. Darren Johnson were selected to the first-ever "Top Doctor's for Women" special editorial section by Women's Health magazine. This list, compiled in conjunction with the medical research firm Castle Connolly, represents the country's best physicians in the 10 specialties that were deemed the most important by Women's Health readers.

PharmacistCARE to Receive Best Practices Award

UK PharmacistCARE, a medication therapy management program at the University of Kentucky, has been selected to receive the 2008 American Society of Health-System Pharmacist’s (ASHP) Best Practices Award. The national competition recognizes innovative and outstanding practitioners in health-system pharmacy.

UK Chandler Hospital Ranked Among Nation's Best

Rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report place University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital among the nation's top hospitals. More than 5,000 hospitals were evaluated and only 170 made the list. UK Chandler Hospital was recognized in the areas of gynecology (42) and ear, nose and throat (44).

UK Chandler Hospital Named One of Nation's Best

UK HealthCare's Albert B. Chandler Hospital is among the nation's top 100 hospitals. For the fifth time, Thomson Healthcare selected UK Chandler Hospital to receive its "Top Hospitals National Benchmarks" award. Hospitals are evaluated in four areas: clinical process and outcomes, patient safety, operational efficiency, and financial stability.

UK Chandler Hospital is the only major academic medical center in Kentucky to be ranked in the top 100. Of the major teaching hospitals studied, only 15 were ranked as performance leaders. The hospital also received top honors in 1993, 1994, 1995, and 2006.

UK Program Wins Regional Outreach Award

The University of Kentucky has been selected as a regional recipient of the 2008 Outreach Scholarship W.K. Kellogg Foundation Engagement Award by the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges (NASULGC).The university won the award for the South region for a UK College of Dentistry program that implemented a new prenatal care model that adds oral health education and dental care to existing group prenatal care.

The program, which involved a collaboration with the Hopkins County Health Department and Trover Health Systems in Madisonville, Ky., significantly reduced preterm births and low birth-weight babies for participating women.