Dell Children’s Medical Center has been nationally ranked in seven pediatric specialties in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Children’s Hospitals list. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the hospital has received national recognition, with improvements in rankings for each specialty compared to previous years.
The hospital’s Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery program is now ranked 10th in the nation, an increase from its previous rankings of 30th last year and 48th in 2023. The program is led by Dr. Charles Fraser, Jr., who is recognized as a leading congenital heart surgeon and played a key role in establishing the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease. The program’s advancement is attributed to collaboration with Dell Medical School and Ascension Seton, which supports research, education, and care integration.
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).
“We are incredibly proud of our physicians, nurses, and staff who work tirelessly to provide the highest quality care for our patients,” said Adam Messer, President of Dell Children’s Medical Center. “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.”
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 recognized as the only comprehensive children’s hospital and pediatric Level I trauma center in Central Texas. The facility was established by local pediatricians and offers specialized care across the region. Its North Campus, which opened in 2023, holds a Level III trauma designation and increases access to pediatric emergency, surgical, and outpatient services.
For the 2025-2026 rankings, U.S. News & World Report, in partnership with RTI International, evaluated 198 eligible children’s hospitals, with 118 submitting sufficient data for consideration. Hospitals that received a “Best” designation demonstrated strong clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices, and high-quality resources related to patient care.
