3 Chicago Hospitals Earn Spots on 'World's Best Hospitals 2026' List

Northwestern Memorial, Rush University Medical Center, and University of Chicago Medical Center recognized among top global institutions

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:39am

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Three hospitals in Chicago have been named to Newsweek's "World's Best Hospitals 2026" list, which recognizes the top 250 medical institutions out of 2,500 evaluated worldwide. Northwestern Memorial Hospital claimed the highest ranking among the Illinois facilities at #61, while Rush University Medical Center and University of Chicago Medical Center were also included at #130 and #135 respectively.

Why it matters

Making this prestigious global list is a major achievement that highlights the exceptional quality of healthcare available in the Chicago area. It also demonstrates the city's standing as a hub for advanced medical care and innovation.

The details

Newsweek's rankings are based on four key data sources: recommendations from medical experts, hospital quality metrics, patient experience data, and a survey on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Northwestern Memorial was the only Illinois hospital to receive a PROMs ribbon, which recognizes hospitals that excel in measuring and implementing PROMs.

  • Newsweek released its annual 'World's Best Hospitals' list on February 28, 2026.

The players

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

A leading academic medical center in Chicago that ranked #61 on the 'World's Best Hospitals 2026' list and was the only Illinois hospital to receive a PROMs ribbon.

Rush University Medical Center

A prominent Chicago hospital that ranked #130 on the 'World's Best Hospitals 2026' list.

University of Chicago Medical Center

A renowned Chicago hospital that ranked #135 on the 'World's Best Hospitals 2026' list.

Mayo Clinic

A top-ranked hospital system based in Rochester, Minnesota that claimed the #1 spot on the 'World's Best Hospitals 2026' list, as it has for all eight years of the ranking.

Cleveland Clinic

A leading Ohio-based hospital system that ranked #3 on the 'World's Best Hospitals 2026' list and received four PROMs ribbons.

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The takeaway

Chicago's top hospitals continue to demonstrate world-class standards of care, earning recognition among the global elite and solidifying the city's reputation as a premier destination for advanced medical treatment and innovation.