University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City). Holding the distinction of being the only comprehensive academic medical center in Iowa, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is also the best hospital in the state, according U.S. News & World Report's 2014-15 rankings. The regional referral center employed 1,617 physicians, residents and fellows and 1,904 nurses in fiscal year 2014.
The 730-bed hospital has roots back to 1873, when patient service began at a small medical department run in conjunction with the Sisters of Mercy Catholic order. This arrangement lasted until 1885, but then the University of Iowa opened a 65-bed hospital in 1898 that included a 200-seat amphitheater for clinical instruction.
In 2014, the academic health system received the HIMSS Enterprise Davies Award, recognizing its achievement in using health IT to improve patient outcomes while achieving return on investment. Using health IT, UI Hospitals and Clinics was able to achieve significant reductions in adverse drug events and health-acquired infections, fewer instances of venous thrombosis, sepsis and pneumonia, fewer deaths and shorter hospital stays.