2025–2026 ‘U.S. News & World Report’ names Packard Children’s among the nation’s elite pediatric facilities, recognizing superior care across several specialties
STANFORD, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, the center of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, has again been recognized among the nation’s best pediatric medical centers by the U.S. News & World Report 2025–2026 Best Children’s Hospitals survey.
The national rankings identify the top pediatric facilities across the country to help children with complex medical conditions find the best medical care, listing Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford as a pediatric center that continues to deliver high-quality care across multiple specialties.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
Top rankings
The hospital ranked in all 11 specialties, with several ranking in the top 10 nationwide: Nephrology (No. 3),Neonatology(No. 3),NeurologyandNeurosurgery(No. 6),Pulmonology (No. 8), and Gastroenterology and GI Surgery (No.8).
The hospital also ranked in Cancer, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Orthopedics, Urology, and Pediatric and Adolescent Behavioral Health. Overall, Packard Children’s ranked:
- Top five nationwide in two specialties: Neonatology and Nephrology.
- Top 10 nationwide in five specialties: Neonatology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Pulmonology, and Gastroenterology.
- Best in the West in three specialties: Neonatology, Nephrology, and Neurology/Neurosurgery.
Commitment to quality and innovation
With its commitment to innovative treatments and comprehensive solutions, Packard Children’s continues to be recognized among the top pediatric centers. We tied for the highest-ranked hospital in Northern California, and for No. 3 in the state. This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of the organization’s exceptional team of specialists and health care providers.
“To continue to be recognized as a top children’s hospital is a testament to the excellence in specialty care that defines Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Our dedicated health care providers and staff consistently deliver world-class patient care, setting a standard both regionally and nationally,” said Paul King, CEO of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to leading in pediatric medicine and positively impacting the community.”
This is the 21st consecutive year that the hospital has been acknowledged by U.S. News & World Report surveys, and it celebrates 34 years in 2025 as the youngest institution among the recognized hospitals.
“Our commitment extends beyond the hospital, embracing a mission-driven approach that benefits our patients, families, and the broader community,” said King.
The U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals. They help families of children with rare or life-threatening illnesses find high-quality medical care available in consultation with their doctors and other medical professionals. Based on clinical data and an annual survey of pediatric specialists, the methodology includes patient outcomes, supportive clinical resources, and adherence to best practices.
Media Contact
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About Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford at its center, is the Bay Area’s largest health care system exclusively dedicated to children and expectant mothers. Our network of care includes more than 65 locations across Northern California and more than 85 locations in the U.S. Western region. Along with Stanford Health Care and the Stanford School of Medicine, we are part of Stanford Medicine, an ecosystem harnessing the potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education, and clinical care to improve health outcomes around the world. We are a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the community through meaningful outreach programs and services and providing necessary medical care to families, regardless of their ability to pay. Discover more at stanfordchildrens.org.
SOURCE Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
