The Health System Remains Arizona’s No. 1 Children’s Hospital and Earns National Recognition Across Six Pediatric Specialties

PHOENIX, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For the 16^th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Phoenix Children’s among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals.” The health system remains the No. 1 children’s hospital in Arizona and fourth in the Southwest region. Phoenix Children’s is the only children’s hospital in the state ever recognized by U.S. News & World Report. 

“We’re honored to once again be recognized among the nation’s best children’s hospitals and remain Arizona’s top destination for pediatric care,” said John R. Nickens IV, President and CEO of Phoenix Children’s. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team members, who come to work every day with a shared vision to improve the health of a generation. Their expertise and belief in what’s possible for kids make achievements like this possible.”

Phoenix Children’s earned recognition in six pediatric specialties for 2026-2027:

• Behavioral Health
• Cancer, represented by Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children’s 
• Cardiology & Heart Surgery, represented by Phoenix Children’s Center for Heart Care 
• Diabetes & Endocrinology 
• Gastroenterology & Gastroenterology Surgery
• Neurology & Neurosurgery, represented by Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s 

This year’s results reflect both organizational stability and specialty momentum throughout the health system, including the return of Pediatric Cancer to the national rankings. Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery advanced nine positions to No. 29 nationally, while Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology improved to No. 43 and Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery maintained its No. 44 ranking.

U.S. News & World Report surveys nearly 200 children’s hospitals annually, using a variety of measures including clinical expertise, patient outcomes and national reputation. The rankings also reflect survey results from thousands of pediatric specialists who rate hospitals based on where they would send their sickest patients, without respect to proximity or cost.

“As we celebrate this recognition, we honor the extraordinary people behind nationally recognized care,” said Blake Bulloch, MD, chief medical officer. “Every ranking reflects countless moments of expertise, compassion and teamwork throughout our health system. We’re grateful to our physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, researchers, therapists and team members for their dedication to the children and families we serve.”

Beyond the rankings, this recognition reflects Phoenix Children’s continued commitment to expanding access to specialized pediatric care, advancing research and innovation and improving outcomes for children and families across Arizona and the Southwest.

Achieving a “Best Children’s Hospital” designation is one of many milestones Phoenix Children’s has celebrated in the last year. These include securing three prestigious National Institutes of Health research grants, ranking among America’s 100 Healthiest Workplaces and strengthening its executive leadership team to support continued growth and exceptional patient care. 

About Phoenix Children’s
Phoenix Children’s is one of the nation’s largest pediatric health systems. It comprises Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus, Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Arrowhead Campus, Phoenix Children’s Hospital – East Valley, Phoenix Children’s – Avondale Campus, four pediatric specialty and urgent care centers, 12 community pediatric practices, 20 outpatient clinics, two ambulatory surgery centers and seven community-service outpatient clinics throughout the state of Arizona. The system provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care and has been serving children and families for more than 40 years. Phoenix Children’s Care Network includes more than 1,405 pediatric primary care providers and specialists who deliver care across more than 75 subspecialties. Alongside our colleagues, collaborators and communities, we’re elevating pediatric care, education and innovation, so we can all grow healthier together. For more information, visit phoenixchildrens.org.

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SOURCE Phoenix Children’s