DALLAS - For the 15th consecutive year, Parkland Memorial Hospital has been named one of "America's Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report in its annual listing of top medical centers.

This year, Parkland ranks 14th nationally in the gynecology category. Out of 5,453 hospitals in the United States, only 170 scored high enough to be included in this year's list.

"Parkland has always been committed to providing high quality health care to the residents of Dallas County, and being listed among the best hospitals in America for the 15th consecutive year illustrates that commitment," said Parkland President and Chief Executive Officer Ron J. Anderson, MD. "It is the dedication of our physicians, nurses and staff that makes this honor possible year after year."

U.S. News & World Report recognizes medical centers that are highly skilled at handling not only routine cases, but more complicated procedures and conditions as well. To be considered, the hospitals must meet at least one of three standards: be a member of the Council of Teaching Hospitals, be affiliated with a medical school, or offer at least six out of 13 select technological services to patients.

Two hundred board-certified specialists in each specialty are asked to name the hospitals they consider best in the field. Reputation, mortality rates and a mix of care-related factors such as nursing and patient services are also evaluated for the ranking, as well as data from annual surveys by the American Hospital Association and its members.