Nationally known as a center for medical care, research, and preventive medicine programs, metro Buffalo is home to nearly a dozen hospitals. Buffalo General Hospital, one of eight teaching hospitals affiliated with the University of Buffalo, is licensed for 511 beds and, in addition to its acute care function, has been established as a major multi-organ transplant center. Buffalo General's specialties include gastroenterology, urology, cardiac rehabilitation, and dialysis. Roswell Park Cancer Institute has been designated a comprehensive center by the National Cancer Institute; its patients may participate in clinical research on new therapies. The institute recently completed work on its new Center for Genetics and Pharmacology, continuing Roswell Park's position on the cutting edge of cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo offers services that include obstetrics and gynecology, the country's first intensive care nursery, and care of children with disabilities. The hospital is licensed for 160 juvenile patients and 60 adult maternity patients. Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital's branches in Buffalo and Williamsville support a western New York State Hand Center and a Sleep Disorder Center; its Dent Neurology Center conducts ongoing research on beta interferon treatment for multiple sclerosis. The Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), which is licensed for 550 inpatient beds, has an outstanding trauma center and staffs a 156-bed skilled nursing home in the facility. ECMC is the primary teaching hospital for the University at Buffalo medical school. Mercy Hospital of Buffalo is renowned for its intensive care unit; medical services such as diagnostic imaging, cardiac rehabilitation, obstetrics, and general surgery are supported by an ethic of spiritual care along with physical care. Its sister hospital, Sisters of Charity, has a cancer care specialty and is also home to the Wildermuth Reproductive Treatment Center.
Military veterans can access the services of the VA Western New York Healthcare System at Buffalo, providing a 167-bed inpatient medical center. Surgery, cardiology, long-term care services, and comprehensive cancer care are all accessible. Inpatient substance abuse treatment is available at Brylin Hospital, and the Buffalo Psychiatric Center offers inpatient, residential, and outpatient treatment of adults diagnosed with serious mental illnesses.
A number of walk-in acute care and general medical clinics operate in Buffalo, along with a healthy supply of generalist and specialized private practitioners. Those seeking alternative health care have access to acupuncturists, massage therapists, and hypnotherapists.