Phoenix Children's Named a "Best Children's Hospital" by U.S. News & World Report for 15th Year in a Row

The Health System Was Also Named Top Children's Hospital in Arizona

PHOENIX, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the 15th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Phoenix Children's among the nation's "Best Children's Hospitals." The health system was also ranked the No. 1 children's hospital in Arizona and fourth in the Southwest region. It is the only children's hospital in the state ever recognized by USNWR.

"We are incredibly proud to be acknowledged again as a leading pediatric healthcare system in the Southwest and as Arizona's top children's hospital," said John R. Nickens IV, President and CEO of Phoenix Children's. "It's an honor to see our clinical programs, including vital behavioral health services, recognized on a national stage as we expand care for families across the region."

Phoenix Children's earned national recognition in six pediatric specialties for 2025-2026:

• Behavioral Health
• Cardiology & Heart Surgery, represented by Phoenix Children's Center for Heart Care
• Diabetes & Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
• Nephrology
• Neurology & Neurosurgery, represented by Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's

This year's rankings once again feature a Top 50 ranking for Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health, underscoring Phoenix Children's commitment to addressing the urgent mental health needs of children and teens. This recognition reflects the health system's tireless efforts to integrate behavioral health services across the continuum of care, including proactive screenings, urgent interventions and specialized provider training.

U.S. News & World Report surveys nearly 200 children's hospitals annually, using a variety of measures including clinical expertise, patient outcomes and national reputation. The rankings also reflect survey results from thousands of pediatric specialists who rate hospitals based on where they would send their sickest patients, without respect to proximity or cost.

"As we celebrate these rankings, we honor the tireless work of our more than 8,000 colleagues across the health system, including physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, medical assistants and technologists," said Blake Bulloch, MD, chief medical officer and pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Phoenix Children's. "We thank them for the dedication and expertise they bring every day to support our mission to advance hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families."

Achieving a "Best Children's Hospital" designation is one of many milestones Phoenix Children's has celebrated in the last year. These include doubling the inpatient bed count at the Arrowhead Campus, launching a critical care transport service and ranking among the top 100 healthiest workplaces in America.

About Phoenix Children's 
Phoenix Children's is one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems. It comprises Phoenix Children's Hospital – Thomas Campus, Phoenix Children's Hospital – Arrowhead Campus, Phoenix Children's Hospital – East Valley, Phoenix Children's – Avondale Campus, four pediatric specialty and urgent care centers, 12 community pediatric practices, 20 outpatient clinics, two ambulatory surgery centers and seven community-service outpatient clinics throughout the state of Arizona. The system provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care and has been serving children and families for more than 40 years. Phoenix Children's Care Network includes more than 1,405 pediatric primary care providers and specialists who deliver care across more than 75 subspecialties. Alongside our colleagues, collaborators and communities, we're elevating pediatric care, education and innovation, so we can all grow healthier together. For more information, visit phoenixchildrens.org. 

SOURCE Phoenix Children's