July 17, 2012
Dear Friend of the Texas Heart Institute,
There's good news today.
For the 22nd consecutive year—since the rating system first began in 1991—the Texas Heart Institute (THI) at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital (SLEH) has been ranked among the top 10 heart centers in the country, as determined by U.S. News & World Report's independent annual ranking of America's Top Hospitals.
The rankings were announced today and we are very proud of our record of excellence, as judged by others, and the longevity of that excellence. It is a record no other heart center in Texas has matched. We are also very grateful to those at THI and SLEH who have made it happen for so long, as we work to improve the ways we detect, prevent and correct the ravages of cardiovascular disease.
That we remain in the top ten means more than pride and recognition, of course. It means we have been on the cutting edge of innovative treatments and tools that help relieve the very real human suffering of cardiovascular disease, the most deadly and costly health problem for men, women, and children of our time. It is particularly gratifying as THI celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and as we prepare for the next 50 years and THI's hope to build a much-needed heart hospital.
What we have done, and will continue to do, for our many thousands of patients is what gives us the most pride and inspiration. Having it recognized by others, like U.S. News, is the proverbial icing on the cake.
I also feel great pride for the dedication of our physicians, scientists, nurses and other staff who continue, year after year, to bring forth new technologies, better treatments, important discoveries and the highest quality care that improve and save lives. On behalf of all our patients, I thank them.
And I thank you for your support and for letting me share this good news with you today. Learn more about the rankings here: http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/cardiology-and-heart-surgery.
With great respect, pride, and inspiration,
James T. Willerson, MD
President and Medical Director
Contact Dr. Willerson
Read previous issues of Heart to Heart in the archives.
We are saving hearts and trees. Heart to Heart is sent via e-mail and available to read online at www.texasheart.org/president. Please assure your uninterrupted receipt of this important and helpful information by providing us with your e-mail address. You can sign up using the form located on this page.
