Editor's Note: Navigating Houston's big medical buildings can be confusing. To help out, we offer a mini-guide to the major hospitals. Next up: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

MD Anderson: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has earned an international reputation as the preeminent cancer-fighting hospital and with good reason. Solely focused on cancer research, prevention and treatment, MD Anderson was once again lauded by U.S. News & World Report as the best hospital for cancer care in 2010.

The hospital leadership makes decisions based on the core values of “Caring, Integrity, Discovery” and as a result, more than 96,000 patients were treated at the hospital in 2009 alone. Another boon for the hospital is it's one of only six proton therapy centers in the nation — using advanced radiation therapy to precisely treat cancers of the prostate, lung, brain and esophagus without damaging healthy tissue.

The MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital is also a part of the campus and treats pediatric cancer patients with cutting-edge medicine and a strong dose of family involvement. The hospital system also has six Houston-area regional care centers.

History: MD Anderson was created as part of The University of Texas System in 1941 and became the MD Anderson Hospital for Cancer Research of The University of Texas in 1942. Initially designed as an outpatient clinic, MD Anderson began treating pediatric cancer patients in-house in 1955.

No. of beds: Currently 571, but more beds will be added through 2010-11

Staff: There have only been three hospital presidents to lead M.D. Anderson since its founding in 1941, but both staff and patients owe a debt of gratitude to the hospital’s namesake, Monroe Dunaway Anderson. A banker and cotton broker, Anderson moved to Houston in 1907 and amassed a great fortune prompting him to create the charitable foundation that bears his name in 1936. He initially contributed $300,000 into the foundation, but since his death in 1939, $19,000,000 has been donated.

Where to park: Pull up at the Mays Clinic between 5:30 a.m.-11 p.m. weekdays or the Main Building 24/7 to valet for $15. For those needing in-and-out privileges or those watching their budget while at the hospital, MD Anderson gives the option to buy Pre-paid SmartChips for TMC Garages 2 and 10 adjacent to MD Anderson.

A pre-paid Five-Day SmartChip is $52; a pre-paid Value SmartChip is available for $100. Self-parking is also available at the MD Anderson Garage at Entrance 5 (the intersection of Bertner Ave. and Pressler St.)

Where to eat: If you’re in either the Alkek Hospital and Mays Clinic buildings be on the lookout for the Jolly Trolley, a volunteer-run cart with snacks, coffees and other drinks. Feed a hungrier appetite at Café Anderson on the first floor of the main building with barbecue, pizza, a salad bar, sushi, designated healthy selections, grill items, soups and desserts.

Over at the Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International (the MD Anderson patient/family hotel that is adjacent to Main Building and Mays Clinic, via skybridge) a daily restaurant offers daily buffet or menu selections and on the second floor at the Mays Clinic, the Waterfall Café serves offers hot and cold entrees, fresh pizzas, a salad bar, sandwiches and to-go items, but it closes at 3 p.m.

Amenities: Inner and outer beauty is valued at MD Anderson and the hospital is sensitive to the physical changes many patients undergo while receiving treatment. Appearances, a shop offering breast forms, bras and other specialty items for cancer patients is on the second floor of the Mays Clinic and gives patients access to certified fitters.

There is also a salon in the main MD Anderson building giving patients complimentary shampoos, haircuts and shaves, plus tips on how to wear scarves and hats. There are also art and movement available classes for patients and their families and if moms and dads need a slip of time without their children, MD Anderson provides free short-term child care for kids two months to 12 years-old.

Other hospital mini-guides in this series:

Sounds of music at Methodist Hospital

Memorial Hermann TMC: The home to Dr. Red Duke

Mobile healing aid at St. Luke's Episcopal