News Summary
Phoenix Children’s Hospital has received the prestigious ‘Best’ designation in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, making it the only hospital in Arizona to achieve this recognition. Nationally ranked in eight pediatric specialties, the hospital supports families seeking the best care for children with serious medical needs. The current rankings include newly evaluated pediatric specialties, including behavioral health, responding to the growing mental health concerns among children. Furthermore, the hospital is in a leadership transition as it announces the retirement of its long-serving CEO.
Arizona—U.S. News & World Report has recognized Phoenix Children’s Hospital as the only hospital in Arizona to earn a “Best” designation in the 19th edition of its annual Best Children’s Hospitals rankings for 2025-2026. This accolade marks a significant achievement for the hospital, which is nationally ranked in eight pediatric specialties and serves as a general medical and surgical facility for children. The rankings, first introduced in 2007, are designed to assist parents and caregivers in locating the best available care for children battling serious illnesses or complex medical needs.
The current edition evaluates hospitals across eleven pediatric specialties, which notably includes a newly added category for Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health. This addition addresses the growing concern surrounding mental, emotional, behavioral, and developmental disorders that affect about 20% of U.S. children. The purpose of these rankings is to empower families to make informed decisions regarding their child’s healthcare.
In addition to Phoenix Children’s, other prominent children’s hospitals in Arizona include:
- Arizona Children’s Center at Maricopa Medical Center (Phoenix) – general facility and teaching hospital.
- Banner Children’s at Desert (Mesa) – general facility.
- Banner Children’s at Thunderbird (Glendale) – general facility.
- Diamond Children’s Medical Center (Tucson) – general facility and teaching hospital.
- Tucson Medical Center for Children (Tucson) – general facility and teaching hospital.
In the latest rankings, ten hospitals across the nation made the esteemed honor roll by earning additional points for outstanding performance in multiple specialties. These hospitals include renowned facilities such as Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and others. They are widely acknowledged for their high standards in pediatric healthcare, attracting patients from across the country.
To create these rankings, U.S. News collects data focusing on patient safety, clinical resources, and outcomes to evaluate the performance of hospitals in the pediatric arena. Phoenix Children’s is backed by a workforce of over 8,000 employees and offers care across 75 subspecialties, indicating a broad capacity to handle various medical needs in children.
In related news, Phoenix Children’s Hospital is undergoing a leadership transition. Robert L. Meyer, the longstanding President & CEO, will retire after more than 23 years of service. The board has appointed John R. Nickens IV as the incoming President & CEO, with a start date set for no later than October 1, 2025. Nickens comes with extensive experience in transformational growth and academic medical partnerships, having previously served as the CEO of University Medical Center for LCMC Health.
For 15 consecutive years, Phoenix Children’s has been recognized among the “Best Children’s Hospitals,” solidifying its reputation as a key institution in pioneering specialized care for children. The hospital’s commitment to excellence in pediatric health continues to support thousands of families in Arizona and beyond, making it a crucial resource for healthcare in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- AZ Big Media: The Best Children’s Hospitals in Arizona According to U.S. News
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
