By Stephanie Ocano
Hospitals in today’s society have become much more than just a facility where people go to undergo surgery or have a baby. They have become a symbol of what needs to change to make U.S. health care more sustainable for future generations.
The following hospitals represent the best of strong credentials, rich history and a growing focus on how to best care for patients, all while promoting the highest form of employee satisfaction and work-life balance. 
10. Yale-New Haven Hospital (New Haven, Connecticut)
As the first hospital in Connecticut, Yale-New Haven has played a significant role in medical history. The hospital is ranked as the number one hospital in Connecticut by U.S. News & World Report, is Magnet-designated for nursing excellence and is tied to more than 4,800 physicians.
Spotlight: Recently, Yale-New Haven and Yale University formed a transatlantic health care and research alliance with University College London. The trio has begun research into cardiovascular disease, hepatology and nephrology, among other areas.
9. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (Lebanon, New Hampshire)
With a more than 120-year history, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is New Hampshire’s only academic medical center. DHMC is Magnet-recognized for nursing excellence, and U.S. News & World Report ranked it as the top hospital in the state in 2013-14.
Spotlight: As a hospital, DHMC strives for excellence at an individual level, but also for the greater good. It constantly seeks out partners and stakeholders who are interested in furthering quality of care while reducing costs for patients.