Ochsner Children's Hospital once again named Louisiana's best for kids

For the 5^th year in a row, U.S. News & World Report ranks Ochsner Children's Hospital the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana 

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ochsner Children's Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for the fifth consecutive year, according to the 2025-2026 Best Children's Hospital rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings also placed Ochsner Children's Hospital among the nation's Top 50 in two specialties: pediatric cardiology and heart surgery and pediatric gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery. This marks nine consecutive years of national recognition, highlighting Ochsner Children's proven leadership in pediatric healthcare.

Ochsner Children's Hospital recognized for excellence

• Since the creation of state-level recognition by U.S. News for Best Children's Hospital, Ochsner Children's has held the No. 1 position in Louisiana.
  
  
• Cardiology and heart surgery, led by Benjamin Peeler, MD and Victor "Sam" Lucas, MD, along with Thomas Young, MD, has ranked among the nation's Top 50 for seven years in a row and eight out of the last nine years.
  
  
• Gastroenterology and GI surgery, led by Ryan Himes, MD in gastroenterology and Vincent "Butch" Adolph, MD in pediatric general surgery, along with Ari Cohen, MD and John Seal, MD in transplant surgery, has ranked nationally for the second consecutive year and five out of the last eight years.

"When it comes to caring for kids, our expert teams have set high standards for pediatric healthcare in Louisiana and the region," said Dr. Adolph, chief medical officer, Ochsner Children's. "We are especially proud of the incredible work of our pediatric cardiology and heart surgery team, as well as our pediatric gastroenterology and GI surgery team, whose unique experience, passion and dedication has once again earned national recognition. Through innovation and compassion, our renowned teams deliver care for kids that parents can trust for generations to come." 

U.S. News' 2025-2026 Best Children's Hospitals rankings

For the 2025-2026 rankings, U.S. News, together with RTI International, a North Carolina-based research firm, collected and analyzed data from 118 children's hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. Children's hospitals awarded a "Best" designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, compliance with established best practices, and level and quality of hospital resources directly related 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."

Trusted healthcare for kids

"We are honored to be trusted by parents to care for their children, and to be once again recognized by U.S. News," said Dana Bledsoe, CEO of Ochsner Children's. "Our team is dedicated to creating a compassionate, family-centered environment where every child and their family receive the care they deserve. From routine checkups to life-saving treatments, we are here to provide the highest quality care tailored to the unique needs of every family we serve."

Families in Louisiana and from across the U.S. trust Ochsner Children's for expert pediatric healthcare, with over 200 specialized physicians providing expertise in more than 30 pediatric specialties and sub-specialties, some of which are only offered here. Ochsner Children's is the state's only provider of pediatric heart transplants and the leading provider of pediatric liver transplants. Exclusively dedicated to children, the team cares for thousands of children each year, expertly treating some of the most complex and critical conditions, while also routinely helping kids get well and stay well.

"It is truly an honor for Ochsner Children's Hospital to receive national recognition for pediatric healthcare in Louisiana," said Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health. "I could not be prouder of our incredible physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and the entire care team who dedicate themselves every day to delivering exceptional care to our region's children. Their commitment to excellence ensures that families can place their trust in us for their children's health and well-being."

Recently, construction began on The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children's Hospital with a continued focus on advancing high quality, innovative pediatric healthcare throughout the Gulf South region. Ochsner Children's inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and connection not found anywhere else in the region. 

For more information about Ochsner Children's, please visit www.ochsner.org/pediatrics.

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. 

About Ochsner Children's 

Ochsner Children's is part of Ochsner Health, the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner Children's has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for five consecutive years. For the ninth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ochsner Children's Hospital among the Top 50 Children's Hospitals in the country. In 2025, Ochsner Children's Hospital ranked in cardiology and heart surgery and gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Ochsner Children's Hospital is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as America's Best Children's Hospitals ranking in pulmonology and neonatology.

About U.S. News & World Report 

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

SOURCE Ochsner Health