The Duke Medical Center was formerly known as the Duke University Hospital and today is one of the most respected medical centers in the United States. In 2007, the Duke Medical Center was ranked the 7th best in the United States out of a total 5,642 other centers.

Created as part of the Duke’s family’s interest in Duke University, money was donated in 1925 to establish the Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University School of Nursing and Duke University Hospital.

Since its inception the Medical Center has grown in reputation and several medical innovations were introduced within the hallowed walls of Duke Medical Center. In 1936, a Duke surgeon at the Center introduced ultra violet into the surgery rooms to kill airborne germs.   Other innovations also include the practice of systematic hypothermia during cardiac surgery and in 1969 the first studies on the ability of humans to function under deep sea pressures was conducted at the center.

Another breakthrough made by the staff at Duke Medical Center was the process of a 3 minute test to screen newborn babies for over 30 metabolic diseases at once. The test is now a standard that is used throughout the United States.

The Millennium Hotel Durham is located just blocks from the Duke Medical Center. The hotel shuttle service is available every half-hour for transportation to the Duke Medical Center.