Chicago’s Top Medical Centers Make Global Impact as Northwestern Memorial, Rush University, and University of Chicago Earn Spots on Newsweek’s 2026 World’s Best Hospitals List
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Three of Chicago’s leading hospitals have secured prestigious placements on Newsweek’s 2026 “World’s Best Hospitals” list, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a global hub for advanced medical care and patient-centered treatment.
The annual ranking, now in its eighth year, evaluated more than 2,500 hospitals worldwide and recognized the top 250 institutions for excellence in healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and overall performance.
Northwestern Memorial Leads Illinois Hospitals
Northwestern Memorial Hospital earned the highest ranking among Illinois hospitals, coming in at No. 61 globally. It was also the only hospital in the state to receive a PROMs ribbon — a distinction tied to Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).
PROMs evaluate how patients perceive their well-being and quality of life after treatment, offering insight into real-world recovery experiences beyond traditional clinical metrics.
Rush and University of Chicago Also Recognized
Rush University Medical Center followed at No. 130, while University of Chicago Medical Center secured the No. 135 spot on the global list.
All three institutions were evaluated using four major data sources:
- Recommendations from medical professionals
- Hospital quality metrics
- Patient experience data
- Results from Statista’s PROMs survey
The methodology blends expert opinion with patient feedback and measurable performance standards, aiming to provide a comprehensive look at hospital quality across the globe.
How the Global Rankings Compare
Outside of Illinois, Mayo Clinic once again claimed the No. 1 overall ranking worldwide, marking its eighth consecutive year at the top of the list.
The global competition includes major academic medical centers and healthcare systems from Europe, Asia, and North America, making the inclusion of three Chicago hospitals a significant achievement for the city’s healthcare landscape.
Why This Matters
Recognition on an international ranking like Newsweek’s carries weight beyond prestige. For patients, it signals high standards of care, advanced research capabilities, and a commitment to improving long-term outcomes.
Chicago’s continued presence on the list highlights the strength of its healthcare institutions and their role in shaping modern medicine.
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