Golisano Children’s Hospital earns national recognition for pediatric cancer care in the 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings

Rochester, New York – University of Rochester Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital has once again earned a place among the nation’s recognized children’s hospitals for its work treating pediatric cancer.

The hospital was ranked No. 45 in the pediatric cancer category of the 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings, released September 15. The recognition highlights the hospital’s ongoing work in caring for children and young people with cancer and other serious blood-related conditions.

This is the third time in four years that Golisano Children’s has received national recognition in the pediatric cancer category. Hospital leaders said the latest ranking reflects the dedication of the medical professionals who care for young patients and their families, as well as the institution’s continuing efforts to expand research and treatment options.

“We are honored that Golisano Children’s continues to be recognized among the best in the nation in treating pediatric cancer,” said Jill Halterman, MD, MPH, physician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s. “This ranking reflects the excellence and dedication of the clinicians and staff in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, who work every day to provide exceptional care for children and families. I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”

The Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology operates as part of Golisano Children’s and the Wilmot Cancer Institute. Its specialists provide treatment and support for children, adolescents, and young adults facing cancer, blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and congenital immune deficiencies.

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The division’s work extends beyond the treatment of cancer itself. Its medical teams also care for patients with complex blood and immune conditions, while researchers study ways to improve the prevention and treatment of childhood cancers and reduce the long-term complications that can result from therapy.

Through its connection to the Wilmot Cancer Institute, families treated at Golisano Children’s also have access to a major research environment. Wilmot is designated as a National Cancer Institute cancer center, a distinction that supports research-driven care and access to clinical trials.

For children and their families, participation in research can provide opportunities to receive treatments being studied for future use. The division is involved in clinical and laboratory research designed to improve understanding of childhood cancers and develop better approaches to care.

Its research efforts also include programs focused on stem cell transplantation. These programs address both malignant and nonmalignant disorders, including conditions such as sickle cell disease and certain immune deficiencies.

Jamie Flerlage, MD, MS, chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, said the national recognition reflects the team’s commitment to bringing advanced cancer care to patients in the Rochester region.

“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing children, adolescents, and young adults with the highest level of cancer care—right here in our region,” said Flerlage. “Our mission extends beyond treating cancer. We are committed to delivering innovative, cutting-edge therapies while making it possible for patients to remain close to their families, schools, communities, and support systems during one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

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Keeping children close to home is an important part of the division’s approach. Cancer treatment can require repeated hospital visits, lengthy therapies, and major changes to a child’s daily routine. Access to specialized care within the region can help families remain connected to their existing support networks while their children receive treatment.

Flerlage said the program’s work will continue to expand as the Wilmot Cancer Institute develops its services and research capabilities.

“As the Wilmot Cancer Institute continues to grow, so too will our ability to bring leading-edge cancer care, clinical trials, and specialized expertise to patients throughout our region. We are building a program that combines national expertise with deeply personal, individualized care—because every patient deserves access to the treatment that is right for them, as close to home as possible.”

The pediatric cancer program also works with the Children’s Oncology Group, a network of institutions involved in research into childhood and adolescent cancers. Golisano Children’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology team is a key participant in the group’s clinical research organizations.

The Children’s Oncology Group collaborates with other major pediatric clinical trial groups to advance efforts to prevent and cure cancers affecting children and teenagers. Through these partnerships, medical researchers work to test new treatments, study childhood cancers, and improve the chances of successful outcomes for young patients.

Jonathan W. Friedberg, MD, MMSc, director of the Wilmot Cancer Institute, said the pediatric cancer team’s continued national recognition reflects its role within the institute and its efforts to make new treatment opportunities available to families throughout the region.

“We are proud to have this team as part of our NCI-designated cancer institute and to see them rank nationally for multiple years in a row,” said Friedberg. “Under Jamie Flerlage’s leadership, they have strengthened their commitment to ensuring children throughout our large catchment area have access to tomorrow’s treatments today through clinical trials and other research efforts. For example, in the last year and a half, we have added pediatric basic science researchers and opened new pediatric oncology clinical trials. We look forward to continuing to improve outcomes for our youngest patients through these and other efforts.”

The addition of pediatric basic science researchers and the opening of new pediatric oncology clinical trials are part of the institute’s recent efforts to strengthen its research program. Hospital officials said these developments are intended to support continued progress in understanding and treating childhood cancer.

The latest U.S. News & World Report ranking gives Golisano Children’s another national distinction for its pediatric cancer services. For the hospital’s medical teams, the recognition comes alongside a broader effort to combine specialized treatment, research, and individualized support for children and families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses.