Birmingham: Health Care

Internationally known as a medical center, Birmingham is a leader in the prevention and treatment of illness. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a leader in research and education. Its Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of 41 in the country and the only one in a five-state area, is ranked as expert.

Many of the 17 hospitals in the area offer specialized care while providing a total of more than 6,000 beds. Health care institutions other than those affiliated with the University of Alabama include hospitals operated by the Baptist and Methodist churches and others. UAB's specialty hospitals include the Spain Rehabilitation Center and the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital. UAB's $125-million Kirklin outpatient superclinic houses 32 outpatient facilities and more than 60 physicians.