Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) has once again solidified its position as a national leader in pediatric care, achieving a remarkable milestone: its 17th consecutive year ranked among the nation’s top 10 children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. The esteemed 2025-26 edition of Best Children’s Hospitals also recognized CHLA with the No. 1 ranking in California and the entire Pacific U.S. region, underscoring its sustained preeminence in healthcare for young patients.
A Legacy of Top-Tier Care
The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings are a comprehensive evaluation of pediatric hospitals across the United States, assessing their performance in 11 distinct medical specialties. For the 2025-26 survey, the publication highlighted 10 hospitals on its prestigious Honor Roll, designating them as the leading pediatric medical centers nationwide. While these hospitals are considered equally top-tier and not assigned ordinal numerical ranks on the Honor Roll itself, CHLA’s consistent presence signifies an enduring commitment to exceptional patient outcomes and cutting-edge medical practice.
The methodology employed by U.S. News & World Report considers a multifaceted approach, including clinical quality, patient outcomes, advanced technologies, and expert physician surveys. This rigorous process ensures that the recognized hospitals demonstrate excellence in treating the most complex pediatric cases.
Specialty Excellence Across the Board
CHLA’s consistently high ranking is a testament to its depth of expertise across numerous pediatric subspecialties. The hospital earned top-10 national recognition in six critical areas: Orthopedics (ranked No. 4), Cancer (No. 6), Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 6), Urology (No. 7), Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 8), and Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 10). Furthermore, CHLA achieved national recognition in all 11 specialty areas surveyed, including high rankings in Cardiology & Heart Surgery (No. 20), Neonatology (No. 22), Nephrology (No. 14), Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 12), and Pediatric and Adolescent Behavioral Health (within the Top 50).
Driving Innovation Through Research and Education
At the core of CHLA’s sustained success is its robust research enterprise, spearheaded by The Saban Research Institute. This institute actively supports the entire continuum of research, with a mission to translate scientific discoveries into life-changing treatments for children both locally and globally. As a leading pediatric academic medical center, CHLA also hosts one of the largest graduate education programs for pediatricians in the United States, nurturing the next generation of medical experts. The hospital is consistently recognized among the top institutions for National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, reflecting its dedication to pioneering new medical advancements.
Commitment to Community and Future Health
Beyond its clinical and research endeavors, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles demonstrates a profound commitment to building stronger, healthier communities. Its outreach efforts encompass vital areas such as health education and literacy, fostering interest in healthcare careers, and actively combating food insecurity. The establishment of The Chuck Lorre Pediatric Health Education Institute further signifies CHLA’s dedication to advancing pediatric health education and creating pathways for healthcare professionals.
A Pillar of Pediatric Care in Los Angeles
With a dedicated team of over 8,000 members, including nearly 900 specialist physicians, CHLA performs approximately 17,000 surgeries annually and manages over 747,000 patient visits. President and Chief Operating Officer Lara Khouri emphasized that this recognition is a reflection of the remarkable commitment of the entire team, stating, “We can’t emphasize enough that at the heart of this recognition is the remarkable commitment of our entire team—physicians, nurses, specialists, researchers, and everyone who works tirelessly to support and elevate Children’s Hospital Los Angeles as the largest pediatric provider in both Los Angeles and California.” This ongoing achievement positions CHLA not only as a national leader but also as a critical cornerstone for pediatric health within Los Angeles and beyond, consistently providing world-class care and driving the future of medicine.
