Dell Children’s Medical Center has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospitals list, achieving national rankings in seven pediatric specialties. This marks the fourth year in a row that the hospital has been nationally ranked, with improvements in each specialty area compared to previous years. The hospital’s Pediatric Cardiology and Heart Surgery program reached the Top 10, moving up from No. 30 last year and No. 48 in 2023.
The specialties for which Dell Children’s received recognition include Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery (#10), Neonatology (#36), Pediatric Orthopedics (#31), Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery (#25), Pediatric Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (#27, tie), Pediatric Urology (#49, tie), and Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health (Top 50).
Adam Messer, President of Dell Children’s Medical Center, said, “We are incredibly proud of our physicians, nurses, and staff who work tirelessly to provide the highest quality care for our patients. These national rankings are a testament to their dedication and commitment to excellence in all aspects of the compassionate and quality care we provide on a daily basis, and we share this recognition with the pediatric provider community in Central Texas who partner with us to achieve these outcomes. Our hospital continues to be a destination for the treatment of complex conditions, and we are committed to our ministry’s mission of serving our community and beyond with the best care possible.”
The hospital’s Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery program is led by Charles Fraser, Jr., MD, who helped establish the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease. The program benefits from partnerships with Dell Medical School and Ascension Seton, which have contributed to its growing national reputation. The collaboration highlights the integration of research, education, and patient care.
Claudia Lucchinetti, M.D., dean of Dell Medical School and senior vice president for medical affairs at UT Austin, stated, “Academic medicine doesn’t just raise the standard of care — it expands what’s possible. This progress shows the strength of our faculty and the momentum behind our mission — to build a more connected health system that delivers world-class care.”
Dell Children’s Medical Center is the only comprehensive children’s hospital and pediatric Level I trauma center in Central Texas. Founded by local pediatricians, it provides specialized family-centered care across the region. Its North Campus opened in 2023 with a Level III trauma designation, increasing access to pediatric emergency, surgical, and outpatient services.
For the latest rankings, U.S. News collaborated with RTI International to analyze data from 198 eligible children’s hospitals. Of these, 118 submitted enough information through the 2025 Pediatric Hospital Survey to be considered for ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation were recognized for clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices, and hospital resources related to patient care.
