Temple University Health System’s Fox Chase Cancer Center has been ranked 19th nationally for cancer care in U.S.News & World Report’s Best Hospitals 2014-15 rankings, which also recognize Temple University Hospital among the best in the Philadelphia region and a high performer in six specialties.

“While these kind of consumer-oriented rankings have their limitations and are certainly not a central benchmark by which we measure our success, they do serve as an independent affirmation of our transformative progress as we develop new programs, recruit top talent, pioneer innovative and value-based models of care, explore creative new partnerships, and expand the geographic reach of our care,” said Larry R. Kaiser, senior executive vice president for health sciences, dean of Temple’s School of Medicine, and president and CEO of Temple University Health System.

This year’s rankings represent a significant upward trend for Fox Chase, which has advanced more than 30 places on the U.S. News list in just two years—from No. 50 in 2012 to No. 30 last year. Fox Chase’s current national ranking of 19 in cancer care also demonstrates its strength in Greater Philadelphia. Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian ranks No. 11 in cancer care nationally; Thomas Jefferson University Hospital ranks 27.

“Our remarkable standing in this year’s U.S.News & World Report national ranking reflects not only the hard work and mission-driven mindset of everyone who works at Fox Chase, but illustrates the great strides our center is making in cancer science and medicine,” said Richard I. Fisher, president and CEO of Fox Chase, which was again cited as high performing in the areas of nephrology, urology and gynecology, as well as a new area – ear, nose and throat.

Temple University Hospital was identified as a high performer in six specialties:

·       Cardiology and heart surgery

·       Gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery

·       Gynecology

·       Nephrology

·       Neurology and neurosurgery

·       Pulmonology

Less than 10 percent of all hospitals nationwide are recognized for high performance.

“It is a great honor for Temple to continue to be recognized in this way,” said John N. Kastanis, president and CEO of Temple University Hospital. “This speaks volumes about the skill and expertise of the entire healthcare team at Temple and only serves to deepen our commitment to providing the highest quality clinical care and specialty programs to our patients.”

U.S.News & World Report publishes its Best Hospitals rankings online every July, showcasing the best of the nation’s roughly 5,000 hospitals. The rankings are based on several factors, including types of services and facilities offered, high regard for patient safety, track record of stellar outcomes and reputation among physicians.

U.S. News publishes national rankings in 16 adult specialties, as well as rankings in select metropolitan areas, regions and states. The complete rankings are available at http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals.