The Cleveland Clinic is a not-for-profit; multi-specialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation founded the Clinic in 1921. Today, The Cleveland Clinic is one of the largest and most respected hospitals in the country. U.S. News & World Report consistently names The Cleveland Clinic one of the nation's best hospitals, including the nation's #1 heart center, in its annual "America's Best Hospitals" survey.

In 2004, the Clinic had more than 2.7 million patient visits and 62,000 hospital admissions. "Patients First" is the guiding principle of The Cleveland Clinic. By setting standards, collecting data, and analyzing results, The Cleveland Clinic puts patients first through improved outcomes, better service, and providing a healthier future for all.