For the second consecutive year, Brigham and Women’s Hospital is ranked #1 in the nation for Obstetrics and Gynecology by U.S. News & World Report. The Brigham is also recognized as a top hospital on the 2023-24 Best Hospitals Honor Roll, with 12 specialties ranked overall.
The annual U.S. News specialty rankings are intended to help guide patients to the right hospital, calculated on factors such as patient outcomes, quality of the patient experience, and if the hospital is adequately staffed.
The Brigham’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is honored to receive the #1 national ranking in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a testament to many years of unwavering hard work and commitment to providing high-quality, comprehensive care to all patients.
In this Q&A, Department Chair Nawal Nour, MD, MPH, celebrates this incredible achievement and highlights how the team’s advanced clinical care and groundbreaking research contribute to the ranking.
Q: Can you reflect on the Brigham’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Program ranking #1 in the nation for the second time?
Dr. Nour: Our department is so honored to be ranked number one in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the nation for the second year in a row. This is a major accomplishment that would not be possible without many years of hard work from our faculty, staff, and employees.
This ranking demonstrates the commitment our department has to ensuring the health and well-being of our patients, with a particular focus on health equity. It is lovely to see that we are making a difference, and it is being noticed throughout the country.
Q: What makes the Brigham’s OB/GYN team #1 in the U.S.?
Dr. Nour: We have a dedicated team committed to providing excellent and inclusive patient care. They are patient-centric, ensuring we can address individual patient needs with cutting-edge research and multidisciplinary care. We consider the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion when providing general OB/GYN and specialty care for our patients. Our mission is to educate and mentor the next generation of OB/GYNs, and we ensure our faculty represents the diversity of the patients who come into our hospital.
Q: How does research within the department advance patient care, and what research from your team are you most excited about?
Dr. Nour: A lot of the clinical research being done here is translatable and can have a quick effect on patient care. Our research division is such an important part of this department, and I cannot fully express how proud I am of the work that our research teams do.
For example, a recent study led by Raymond Anchan, MD, PhD, and Kevin Elias, MD, demonstrates the potential for restoring fertility when the ovaries stop working due to cancer treatment. In addition, Louise Wilkins-Haug, MD, PhD, and her team have made significant breakthroughs in surgical fetal interventions, such as a recent collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital on a successful first-ever in utero repair of the vein of Galen malformation. The possibilities for future research in women’s medicine are very exciting.
Q: How does this department continue to inspire you?
Dr. Nour: The dedication I see in our department—from everyone—is truly remarkable. We made it through the COVID-19 pandemic, came to terms with the Dobbs decision, faced capacity and financial challenges, worked collaboratively to ensure health equity in our efforts, and learned valuable lessons. We were still able to provide excellent healthcare throughout the past year, all while taking care of each other. I am excited to see what’s next in our department.