The Best in Class Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Healthcare

The Best in Class Awards: Recognizing Excellence in Healthcare

Congratulations to Andreea Cuidin and the Vall d’Hebron University Obesity Unit!

The Best in Class Awards, launched 19 years ago by Gaceta Médica—a publication of the Wecare-U communication group—and the Chair of Innovation and Health Management at Rey Juan Carlos University, aim to honor outstanding healthcare providers in Spain. These awards recognize the best primary care centers, hospitals, and healthcare units, both public and private, that strive for excellence in patient care.

Winners are selected based on their scores in the Patient Care Quality Index (ICAP), which is derived from a multivariate analysis of data submitted by the participating hospitals and care centers. The evaluation process is further strengthened by the collaboration of the Chair of Innovation and Health Management and various scientific societies, ensuring rigor and independence.

Awardees and finalists are featured in the annual Guide to the Best Hospitals and Health Services in Spain.

This year, for the first time, a new category was introduced: Best Obesity Unit. This milestone reflects a growing recognition within the medical community of obesity as a chronic disease requiring innovative, patient-centered care. The organizers emphasized the importance of raising awareness, driving innovation, and promoting excellence in obesity management.

EASO Obesity Management Working Group co-chair Dr Andreea Cuidin said “For the Vall d’Hebron University Obesity Unit, which is a dual EASO COMs center for both adult and pediatric care —this award holds special significance. This marks Spain’s first national recognition for excellence in obesity care, affirming obesity as a chronic disease which deserves comprehensive, patient- centered treatment. This achievement validates the efforts of our young team, inspires us to continue advancing obesity management and serves as a call to action for other clinics to join in shaping the future of obesity care.”