Penn State Health Children’s Hospital ranks among the best in the nation for pediatric cancer and behavioral health care

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Penn State Health Children’s Hospital as one of the nation’s best hospitals for children in two specialty areas. This marks the 14th consecutive year the Children’s Hospital has earned recognition for its exceptional patient care.

The Children’s Hospital ranked in pediatric cancer and pediatric and adolescent behavioral health, a new category in the publication’s 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.

“As the region’s most comprehensive children’s hospital, we are committed to ensuring that families with children facing life-threatening and rare illnesses have access to the best care available,” said Dr. Yatin Vyas, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital, and vice president of Penn State Health Children’s. “I am proud that this recognition reflects the compassionate, world-class health care that our talented physicians and staff deliver each and every day.”

The U.S. News & World Report recognition builds on recent accomplishments by Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine in pediatric cancer, including research leading to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s December 2023 approval of eflornithine (DFMO), a drug that will aid in the fight against solid tumors in children and a $4 million grant award for developing precision medicine treatments for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Further elevating the health system’s approach to pediatric cancer care is its unique partnerships with the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium and Four Diamonds.

“Collaboration between our clinical and research teams has been key to our success,” said Dr. Giselle Saulnier Sholler, chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. “Whether within the research labs, our clinic or the hospital, together we continue to provide the best possible care and push forward in our mission to fight until every child is cured.”

The rankings also highlight the value of recent advances in pediatric and adolescent behavioral health that ensure patients receive leading-edge, evidence-based care. In the Children’s Hospital and within the outpatient setting, including two multi-specialty locations, redesigned workflows ensure behavioral health providers integrate directly with primary care providers both onsite and through telehealth. This makes it possible for patients to start addressing issues in an environment where they have an established relationship and are comfortable.

“We are proud to provide the highest quality behavioral health services to the community and welcome this recognition among our peers,” said Dr. James Waxmonsky, chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. “It is a testament to the incredible teamwork and dedication that goes into nurturing the mental health of the youth of our region.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight the top 50 hospitals in multiple pediatric specialties. They are based on clinical outcomes, such as patient survival, infection rates and complications; the level and quality of hospital resources directly related to patient care, such as staffing, technology and special services; delivery of health care, such as programs that prevent infections and adherence to best practices; and expert opinion among pediatric specialists.

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