Sometimes we take for granted that which is closest to us. Easy to do; human nature. In Minnesota we are fortunate to have access to some of the best medical facilities in the country. I've had great care at St. Cloud Hospital, Twin Cities hospitals, and my last three surgeries have been at Mayo Clinic in Rochester -- recently voted #1 hospital in the USA.

The honor as 'Nation's Best Hospital' was awarded by U.S. News & World Report this week in their annual review of 4,743 American hospitals. As good as Mayo Clinic is, it's the first time the Rochester facility has been named #1. Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston came in second this year. John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore fell to third after a 21-year run in the top spot.

Across the state, Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis was #2, followed by Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids at #3, The University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview is #4, and St. Cloud Hospital was listed at #5 -- among the 150 hospitals in Minnesota.

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