University of Chicago Medical Center Earns U.S. News Best Hospital Honors, Only Illinois Academic Medical Center to Receive Community Access Designation
Key Insights
The University of Chicago Medical Center (search) was recognized as one of the nation's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-27, earning national rankings in eight adult specialties.
It was the only academic medical center in Illinois to receive the Best Regional Hospital for Community Access designation, awarded to fewer than 2% of hospitals evaluated nationwide.
Obstetrics & Gynecology recorded the largest ranking gain, rising 14 places to No. 17 nationally, while Cancer ranked No. 15 among all specialties.
The University of Chicago Medical Center (search) has once again been named one of the nation's Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and stands as the only academic medical center in Illinois to earn the publication's Best Regional Hospital for Community Access designation. The recognition, announced in the 2026-27 rankings, marks the third consecutive year the institution has received the Community Access distinction — an honor awarded to fewer than 2% of the nearly 4,500 hospitals evaluated nationwide.
The Community Access designation specifically recognizes hospitals that provide high-quality care to patient populations reflecting the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of their surrounding communities. For UChicago Medicine, anchored on Chicago's South Side, the award underscores a longstanding commitment to delivering specialized academic care while improving access for populations that have historically faced barriers to care.
"Our mission has always been to improve the health of the communities we serve through exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research and education," said Tom Jackiewicz, President of the University of Chicago Health System. "This honor underscores our longstanding commitment to ensuring our neighbors have access to world-class academic medicine close to home."
National Rankings Across Eight Specialties
Beyond the Community Access designation, the University of Chicago Medical Center (search) earned national rankings in eight adult specialties and High Performing ratings in 18 procedures and conditions. Three specialties improved their national rankings compared to the prior year.
Obstetrics & Gynecology recorded the largest gain, climbing 14 places to No. 17 nationally. Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and Urology also advanced in the rankings. The full list of nationally ranked specialties includes Cancer (No. 15), Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 17), Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 23), Urology (No. 27), Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 37), Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 37), and Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 38).
Orthopaedics earned a new silver national specialty badge for high performance, while Geriatrics and Neurology and Neurosurgery were designated as high performing.
"Our teams are doing exceptional work every day across our system," said Krista Curell, JD, RN, President of the University of Chicago Medical Center (search) and Chief Operating Officer of the UChicago Medicine health system. "While national recognition is meaningful, our greatest measure of success is the trust our patients place in us and our commitment to continuously improving the quality, safety and patient experience of the care we provide."
Community Investment and Health Equity
The health system's community engagement efforts are guided by Community Advisory Councils and informed by regular Community Health Needs Assessments. Current priorities include access to care, chronic disease, behavioral health, violence prevention, food insecurity, and workforce development.
In fiscal 2025, the Medical Center provided $971.4 million in community benefits, encompassing uncompensated care, research, education, and community-based programs. Through its Urban Health Initiative and other outreach efforts, UChicago Medicine works with residents and local organizations to expand access to specialty care and clinical trials, strengthen neighborhood partnerships, and address barriers to health.
Looking Forward: The AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion (search)
UChicago Medicine continues to invest in the future of academic medicine on Chicago's South Side. In April 2027, the health system will open the AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion (search) — Chicago's first freestanding cancer pavilion. The new facility will bring together advanced cancer care, clinical trials, comprehensive supportive services, and a hospitality-inspired model of care.
"The opening of the AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion (search) next spring is the next step in that journey, expanding advanced cancer care and clinical trials while redefining the patient experience through a hospitality-inspired model of care," Jackiewicz said.
Methodology
The 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions. U.S. News employed objective measures including patient outcomes, risk-adjusted mortality, preventable complications, and patient experience, drawing on analyses of more than 800 million patient records to help patients and families make informed healthcare decisions.