From world-class research to renowned teaching hospitals to comprehensive health systems and a network of community hospitals, Texas is a leader in medical treatment, innovation and expertise.

The state's 583 hospitals include more than 81,000 beds and some of the nation's most respected medical programs and physicians.

"Texas' hospitals are as diverse as the state's geography, from world-class teaching and research facilities, to small community hospitals," says Dr. Dan Stultz, president and chief executive officer of the Texas Hospital Association. "In addition to enhancing quality of life in the communities they serve, Texas hospitals contribute to the state's economic viability through local spending and job creation."

The Texas health-care industry includes more than 360,000 full- and part-time hospital employees generating $22 billion in annual payroll and an economic impact estimated at $137 billion.

Austin's fifth-largest private employer, St. David's HealthCare, employs 7,000 and generates some $3.1 billion in annual gross revenues. The system has recruited world-renowned specialists to its Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, the NeuroTexas Institute and the Texas Institute for Robotic Surgery, home to the nation's first Robotic Institute University.

"Texas is a sought-after destination, which helps us attract the best and the brightest," says Amanda McCrary, vice president of physician recruitment and sales for St. David's HealthCare. "We're able to invest in world-class technology and really align with physicians."

In 2010, U.S. News named Houston's MD Anderson Cancer Center the top hospital in the nation for cancer care. Part of the University of Texas System, MD Anderson is devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention, investing more than $547 million annually in research.

Top-level care isn't exclusive to the state's biggest cities. Temple-based Scott & White Healthcare is the largest multi-specialty practice in Texas and one of the nation's largest multi-specialty group practice systems. A Top 100 Thomson Reuters hospital, Scott & White has earned a reputation for excellence in cancer, orthopaedics and cardiovascular care.

In Tyler, Trinity Mother Frances Hospital also has secured a place among Thomson Reuter's Top 100, and is home to the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital. The region's first heart hospital includes a cardiac intensive care unit with 24 private rooms, and will house comprehensive cardiac, thoracic and vascular services upon completion.

"The Heart Hospital truly is a new approach to providing a continuum of cardiac care," says Dr. C. Fagg Sanford III, Trinity Mother Frances chief of cardiology. "We patterned it on a best-practice model where a patient's stay is in one location with strong family involvement and the appropriate level of care is brought to the patient."

Patients in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley turn to Doctor's Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg. The 503-bed facility has been ranked among the nation's best by Thomson Reuters three years running. In 2011, DHR broke ground on the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, a state-of-the-art facility with seating for 1,000.

"There is a need to have educational activities for the benefit of our physicians, medical staff, and the community as a whole," says Marissa Castañeda, DHR chief operations officer. "Health care is an ever-evolving industry, so ongoing education is necessary to continue serving our community and provide optimal health care for residents of the Rio Grande Valley."