UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital nationally ranked in four pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report
UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital has been nationally ranked in four pediatric specialties in the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings, announced today, up from three specialties last year.
Comer Children’s remained No. 2 in Illinois for the sixth consecutive year and moved up two spots to No. 14 in the Midwest.
The four nationally ranked specialties are:
- Pediatric Cancer: No. 26
- Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery: No. 36
- Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery: No. 44
- Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology: No. 45
Pediatric cancer earned its highest ranking ever, while pediatric neurology & neurosurgery climbed nine positions to achieve its highest ranking since 2011. Pediatric gastroenterology & GI surgery also returned to the nation’s top 50 for the first time since 2023.
Today’s recognition comes as UChicago Medicine prepares to open its new cancer hospital in April 2027, reflecting the organization’s broader commitment to advancing cancer care, research and discovery for patients of all ages.
“These results reflect the extraordinary commitment of our physicians, nurses, researchers, and staff to providing children and families with exceptional, evidence-based care,” said John Cunningham, MD, physician in chief of Comer Children’s Hospital and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. “We’re proud of the progress we’re seeing across all of our programs, and we remain focused on strengthening outcomes, advancing discovery, and ensuring every child who comes through our doors receives the highest-quality care.”
The results were released as Comer Children’s begins a new chapter with Emily Chase, PhD, RN, serving as the hospital’s first president, a newly created role reflecting UChicago Medicine’s continued investment in pediatric and maternal healthcare. The health system is working to expand access to specialized pediatric services and strengthen connections between Comer Children’s and community-based care across Chicago’s South Side, the south suburbs, and Northwest Indiana.
“National recognition is meaningful. That said, what matters most is the work behind it — improving quality and outcomes and making exceptional pediatric care more accessible to the children and families who need us,” Chase said. “This progress gives us momentum as we continue investing in Comer Children’s and building on its role as a destination for specialized pediatric care across our region.”
For the 2026-27 rankings, U.S. News and RTI International analyzed 2025 data submitted by 114 children’s hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. Hospitals were assessed on factors including clinical outcomes, adherence to established best practices, and the level and quality of resources supporting patient care.