Columbus, OH

This is not a topic I ever thought I would need to address in a blog, but here I am, only two weeks in and it has come up. Due to my own recent need (note: no entry on Tuesday), it occured to me that travelers to the city of Columbus might like some direction if they ever face a sudden illness or injury while visiting.

Now, if you are in a serious situation, you will call 911 and the squad will take you to whatever hospital is closest.

If you decide to go on your own though, you might appreciate some advise as to which hospitals locals think are best. There are literally dozens of hospitals within 45 minutes of Broad and High (considered the city’s center). There are nine I can name off the top of my head within the Columbus city limits. So, which are the best? In my own humble, personal opinion they are:

Columbus Children’s Hospital

This is a nationally recognized, award winning hospital. I believe only St. Jude can claim they do more for children’s health than our own Columbus Children’s. If you are here and your child needs emergency medical attention this is where you should take him or her. You will be glad you did.

Riverside Methodist Hospital

The thing I love most about Riverside is their emergency staff. Not too long ago they saved the life of a very good friend of mine. But that’s not all. If you have to go to the emergency room, they rarely have to make you wait in a reception area for very long. You will get triage almost right away, and they get you into a bed quickly. I am not saying you never have to wait to be seen, but at least you are waiting more comfortably than at almost any other hospital in the area. Add to that the fact that the hospital consistently lands in the Top 100 Hospitals nationwide and you get the best of both courtesy and care.

The Ohio State University Hospitals

This is a full-time teaching hospital, so expect to see a lot of students in house. It is also a major research hospital, so expect them to be on the cutting edge of modern medical science. There are tons of specialties, so whatever’s wrong with you they have you covered. With entire divisions dedicated to heart health, women’s health, cancer treatment and psychiatriac health to name a few, OSU Hospitals are at the top of the game for fixing whatever ails you.

While there are several noteworthy hospitals in Central Ohio, as someone who has lived in the area for over 30 years, these are my personal picks and where I would take my family in an emergency.