Five Cook Children's Specialties Earn National Recognition
Neurology & Neurosurgery has been nationally ranked every year since U.S. News & World Report launched children's specialty rankings in 2008.
Cook Children's Health Care System earned national recognition in five specialties on the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals list.
The recognition includes the 19th consecutive year that Cook Children's Neurology & Neurosurgery program has been nationally ranked. Notably, the program has appeared in the rankings every year since U.S. News & World Report introduced pediatric specialty rankings in 2008, reflecting nearly two decades of consistent excellence in caring for children and families.
Cook Children's was recognized in the following specialties:
- Behavioral Health (Top 50)
- Cancer (No. 41)
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery (No. 47)
- Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 36)
- Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 44)
For Scott Perry, M.D., head of Neurosciences at Cook Children's, the milestone reflects the dedication and expertise of teams across the organization.
"Nineteen consecutive years of national recognition reflects the strength and consistency of our neuroscience program and the exceptional teams who care for children every day," Dr. Perry said. "Maintaining that level of excellence since the rankings began in 2008 speaks to the culture of collaboration, innovation and clinical expertise that defines Cook Children's. While the health of children and their families is our focus, not rankings, it is gratifying to see the quality of care provided by our physicians, nurses, therapists and support teams recognized on a national level.”
The annual rankings evaluate pediatric centers nationwide using measures such as clinical outcomes, patient safety, infection prevention and the availability of specialized care resources.
Matthew Carroll, M.D., MHA, MSHQS, chief quality officer at Cook Children's, said the rankings process is most valuable as a tool for continuous improvement.
"The value of the U.S. News process is that it encourages us to take a close look at how we care for patients and where we can continue to improve," Dr. Carroll said. "Our focus has always been on meaningful improvements that enhance safety, quality and outcomes for children. Recognition is always appreciated, but the true measure of success is the impact our teams make every day on children and families as we deliver on our Promise."
