UI Health Care named the top children’s hospital in Iowa.

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital Shines in National Rankings

The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital continues to make headlines, proudly earning recognition across nine pediatric specialties in the latest “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-25. In a statement released by UI Health Care, the hospital has also secured its spot as the top children’s hospital in Iowa, a significant achievement that underscores its commitment to providing exceptional pediatric care.

As Iowa’s sole nationally ranked children’s hospital, the Stead Family Children’s Hospital has made remarkable strides in various specialties, boasting rankings that reflect its extraordinary capabilities. Here’s a closer look at the specific achievements:

– No. 21 in Neonatology: This ranking highlights the hospital’s expertise in caring for critically ill newborns, showcasing its skilled team in neonatal intensive care.
– No. 25 in Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology: The hospital’s endocrinology department provides specialized care for children with diabetes and other hormonal disorders.
– No. 32 in Pediatric Nephrology: The nephrology team is dedicated to treating kidney conditions in children, an area that requires particular focus and medical expertise.
– No. 34 in Pediatric Urology: Effective treatment protocols for urinary tract issues position the hospital among the nation’s best in pediatric urology.
– No. 40 in Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery: The skilled specialists here are known for treating neurological disorders in children, including complex surgical interventions.
– No. 41 in Pediatric Cancer: With a comprehensive approach to oncology, the hospital’s cancer center offers advanced treatments tailored for young patients.
– No. 47 in Pediatric Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Surgery: The cardiology team is committed to providing innovative treatment for congenital heart defects and other cardiovascular issues in children.
– No. 50 in Pediatric Orthopedics: Orthopedic care at the hospital includes advanced surgical options for bone and joint conditions.
– Top 50 in Pediatric and Adolescent Behavioral Health: For the first time, the rankings introduced this category, and Stead Family is among those making strides to address mental health needs in young patients.

This year’s rankings have propelled Stead Family Children’s Hospital to No. 1 in Iowa and No. 11 in the Midwest region, which encompasses states like Illinois, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The hospital’s rankings reaffirm its strength as a regional leader in pediatric healthcare. Additionally, its recent inclusion in the top 50 for pediatric and adolescent behavioral health is particularly noteworthy, as it acknowledges the increasing demand for mental health services among younger populations—a growing challenge in today’s healthcare landscape.

Since the rankings began over 15 years ago, Stead Family Children’s Hospital has consistently appeared in U.S. News assessments, illustrating its long-standing position as a trusted institution in pediatric care. Jim Leste, the hospital’s Chief Administrative Officer, expressed pride in the recognition. “Our long-standing leadership in pediatrics reflects the world-class team we have and their unwavering dedication to excellence in care,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of being recognized in the inaugural year of the behavioral health rankings amidst an increased demand for these critical services.

The Best Children’s Hospitals rankings serve as a vital resource for families seeking specialized pediatric care. The rigorous evaluation process assesses various factors, including clinical outcomes, hospital resources, adherence to best practices, and expert opinions from pediatric specialists. For this year’s rankings, data was meticulously analyzed by RTI International, a renowned nonprofit research organization.

Dr. Alexander Bassuk, the physician-in-chief of Stead Family Children’s Hospital and chair of the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics at the UI Carver College of Medicine, articulated the profound impact of these rankings. He stated, “Patients want compassionate care that’s close to home, while professionals aspire to work in environments where they can truly make a difference.” He noted that the consistently high rankings not only signify quality care but also validate the hospital’s ongoing mission to innovate in pediatric healthcare.

As the need for specialized pediatric services continues to grow across the nation, the Stead Family Children’s Hospital stands as a beacon of excellence, dedicated to enhancing the lives of their young patients and their families. With such impressive recognition, it is clear that the hospital will continue to lead the way in quality care and medical advancement, making a lasting difference in the realm of pediatrics.

If you’re seeking a pediatric healthcare provider or looking for insights on the evolving landscape of children’s health, stay tuned, as the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is set to remain at the forefront of pediatric innovation and care.