U.S. News and World Report ranked the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Harper University Hospital the No. 1 neurological department in Michigan in the magazine’s annual ranking of hospitals and hospital services. The hospital’s department is largely staffed by faculty of the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Harper University Hospital’s Neurology and Neurosurgery services were ranked 29th nationally in the magazine’s “America’s Best Hospitals” feature. In 2006, the department placed 37th. That ranking climbed to 31 in 2007, 27th in 2008, and 29th this year.

“There is very little difference in one or two positions when you look at the numbers/scores,” said Robert Lisak, M.D., chairman of the Department of Neurology at the School of Medicine. “Some other neurology/neurosurgery programs in the state that were rated higher than us have dropped in their ratings, so our No. 1 position represents both increased recognition and demonstration of the quality of the care we provide.”

The Department of Neurology at Harper, Dr. Lisak said, is overwhelmingly staffed by Wayne State University School of Medicine full-time faculty and two active voluntary faculty members.

“The rankings, imperfect as the methodology may be, indicates the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery provide outstanding care for patients with diseases of the nervous system and there is no need to go elsewhere for world-class care,” he added. “In fact, many members of both departments see patients from all over the state of Michigan, the Midwest and other regions of the country, as well as from foreign countries. It is nice for the faculty in both departments to know that their skills are recognized.”

Murali Guthikonda, M.D., chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery, noted that department members are all faculty of the School of Medicine, and all are fellowship trained in subspecialties.

“As the chairman, I believe in the philosophy of sub-specialization,” he said. “Patients with brain and spine problems deserve the best of care. The best chance for anyone with brain tumors, aneurysms and complex brain pathology is to have someone that has special interest and training care for them.

“We use state-of-the-art medical knowledge and technology, and after careful analysis of the problem we come up with a plan of treatment that is best for the patient,” Dr. Guthikonda added. “With this philosophy, the department can contribute the best possible care for the patients in the region and to many patients that travel from other parts of Michigan. We are a destination for patients with neurosurgical needs where they can expect the best of care and attention.”

U.S. News and World Report ranked hospitals via a complex scale that took into account, among other factors, deaths, reputation, patient safety, nurse staffing and technology.