Maria Fareri Children's Hospital Earns First-Ever National Ranking from US News & Report as Among the Best Children's Hospitals

VALHALLA, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in its history, WMCHealth's Maria Fareri Children's Hospital has been ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report, earning a coveted spot in the 2025–2026 Best Children's Hospitals for Pediatric Cancer.

In addition to this national recognition, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital was named the #7 Best Children's Hospital in New York State and the #16 Best in the Mid-Atlantic Region. These honors reflect the hospital's growing reputation for excellence in complex, compassionate pediatric care.

This recognition follows Maria Fareri Children's Hospital's prestigious designation by the American College of Surgeons for Oncology as a National Pediatric Center of Excellence, an honor shared by only three children's hospitals nationwide. The hospital also was recently awarded an Empire Clinical Research Investigator (ECRIP) grant of $459,333 to advance safer, more precise treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma, particularly in children and adolescents.

"For our patients and families, being named one of the Top 50 children's hospitals in the nation for pediatric cancer care is a powerful affirmation that world-class care is available right here in the Hudson Valley," said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. "This recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment of our physicians, nurses, researchers, and staff, who dedicate themselves every day to delivering the most advanced treatments with the greatest compassion. Being ranked nationally, as well as among the best in New York State and the Mid-Atlantic, is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence in caring for children and families facing life's toughest challenges."

"This national recognition underscores the excellence of our pediatric oncology program and the hope it brings to families throughout the region," said Erika S. Berman Rosenzweig, MD, William Russell McCurdy Physician-in-Chief and Director, Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, and Chair, Department of Pediatrics at New York Medical College. "Our team is relentless in advancing therapies, expanding clinical trials, and supporting every child not only with the best medical care but also with the compassion and strength they deserve. To be ranked among the Top 50 children's hospitals in the country for cancer care reflects our unwavering commitment to giving every child the best possible chance at a healthy future."

"U.S. News & World Report's Top 50 ranking is well deserved and recognizes the tireless dedication of everyone involved in the pediatric cancer program at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital," said Mitchell S. Cairo, MD, Chief, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, and Director, Children and Adolescent Cancer and Blood Diseases Center. "We are proud of the program we've built and remain committed to advancing innovative, compassionate cancer care for children and adolescents today and in the future."

Maria Fareri Children's Hospital's pediatric hematology/oncology specialists diagnose and treat children and adolescents with cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, and blood disorders. The hospital offers access to advanced therapies and clinical trials while serving as an internationally recognized research hub in childhood cancer and blood diseases.

For the 2025–2026 rankings, U.S. News, together with RTI International, evaluated data from 118 children's hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. Hospitals awarded a "Best" designation excelled in clinical outcomes, best-practice compliance, and resources directly tied to patient care.

"Being a top-ranked pediatric hospital means more than just excelling in a single specialty — it means being a pillar of outstanding care for your entire region," said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. "Our rankings acknowledge these hospitals for their comprehensive excellence, helping families find the very best care conveniently located within their state and community."

The full rankings for the 2025-2026 Best Children's Hospitals national, regional/state and specialty rankings can be found at USNews.com. For more information, explore #BestChildrensHospitals on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok and X.

SOURCE WMCHealth