Dell Children’s Medical Center has achieved national recognition in seven pediatric specialties, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospitals list. This marks the fourth consecutive year the hospital has been included in the rankings, with improvements noted in each specialty.
The hospital’s Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery program was ranked 10th nationally, an increase from 30th last year and 48th in 2023. Other specialties recognized include Neonatology (36th), Pediatric Orthopedics (31st), Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery (25th), Pediatric Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (27th, tie), Pediatric Urology (49th, tie), and Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health (Top 50).
Adam Messer, President of Dell Children’s Medical Center, stated: “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 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 a partnership with Dell Medical School and Ascension Seton, supporting research, education, and patient care.
Claudia Lucchinetti, M.D., dean of Dell Medical School and senior vice president for medical affairs at UT Austin, commented: “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. The facility was established by local pediatricians and provides care throughout the region. The North Campus, opened in 2023 with a Level III trauma designation, has expanded access to emergency care and other pediatric 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 to be considered for ranking. Hospitals that received a “Best” designation were recognized for clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices, and resources dedicated to patient care.
