Cook Children’s Health Care System is proud to announce that seven of its specialty programs have been ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. This recognition underscores the health care system’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care to children and their families.

The report, which was released on Oct. 8, 2024, analyzed data from 108 children’s hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists.

The following Cook Children’s specialties were named among the top programs:

·         Pediatric Behavioral Health – Top 50

·         Pediatric Cancer - #37 in the nation

·         Pediatric Cardiology - #37 in the nation 

·         Pediatric Endocrinology - #44 in the nation

·         Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery - #45 in the nation

·         Pediatric Orthopedics - #24 in the nation

·         Pediatric Pulmonology - #48 in the nation

This is the first year for U.S. News & World Report to include Pediatric Behavioral Health as “Top 50” programs and Cook Children’s was named to the inaugural list. Other highlights include Cook Children’s Cardiology jumping to #37 and Cook Children’s Orthopedics moving an impressive 16 spots in the rankings, from #40 last year to #24.

“We’re thrilled to see our Pediatric Behavioral Health services recognized on a national level,” said Kia Carter, M.D., co-medical director of Inpatient and Consultation Liaison Psychiatric Services. “Our team's expertise in child and adolescent mental health is unparalleled. These rankings reflect our commitment to providing evidence-based care that empowers young people to thrive.”

U.S. News & World Report evaluated children’s hospitals based on a variety of factors, including quality of care, clinical research programs, services and surgeries performed, patient and family involvement and access to resources, staff dedication, recognition as a Nurse Magnet Hospital, and more.

For Cook Children’s Health Care System as a whole, the rankings highlight longstanding excellence in a variety of areas. 

"It's a tremendous honor to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report once again," said Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children's. “This recognition is a testament to the exceptional work of our doctors, nurses, and staff, who consistently strive to provide the best possible care for every child, every day. Our dedication to our promise and values, combined with our strong culture, sets us apart, and we're proud to be named a top children's hospital.”

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C