Northwestern Memorial Hospital has been recognized for the 15th consecutive year among the nation's top hospitals, retaining its Honor Roll designation in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings, according to an Aug. 4 announcement.
Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, said, "These results reflect the extraordinary dedication of our physicians, nurses and team members who work every day to deliver exceptional care for our patients and communities. To be recognized among the nation's very best hospitals, while seeing meaningful improvements across so many clinical specialties, speaks to our unwavering commitment to advancing medicine, improving outcomes and providing the highest quality care close to home. Most importantly, these rankings reflect the trust our patients place in us and the outstanding care they receive throughout Northwestern Medicine."
The hospital remained nationally ranked in 10 specialties—all within the top ten programs—including Cancer (No. 8), Cardiology/Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7), Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 5), Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 4), Geriatrics (No. 4), Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 2), Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 5), Orthopaedics (No.7), Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No.4) and Urology (No.7). Northwestern Memorial also achieved regional No.1 rankings in Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area; new this year were additional regional specialty recognitions awarded for Cancer, Cardiology/Heart & Vascular Surgery, and Orthopaedics.
Other Northwestern Medicine hospitals received recognition as well: Central DuPage Hospital was ranked No.6 regionally with a national ranking in Obstetrics & Gynecology; Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital moved up to No.7 regionally with five nationally ranked specialties; McHenry, Huntley and Woodstock Hospitals combined ranked T-No.11 regionally with high-performing distinctions; Palos Hospital tied at No.13 regionally; Delnor Hospital tied at No.13 regionally with high-performing marks in Diabetes & Endocrinology; Kishwaukee Hospital achieved high performance in two procedures or conditions; Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital was ranked second statewide for rehabilitation.
Northwestern Medicine functions under its parent organization Northwestern Memorial HealthCare as part of a mission that includes patient care, education and research efforts designed to provide world-class care through patient-focused initiatives—this includes community contributions recognized by humanitarian awards reflecting compassion and impact—as well as national recognition for physician well-being programs, according to the official website.
Chrisman holds his current role leading these efforts. The health system also engages in strategic collaborations aimed at advancing clinical research and education, according to the official website.
