UC San Diego Health has reached a historic milestone, securing a spot as the top healthcare provider in California and earning a place on the prestigious national honor roll. According to the 2026-2027 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals survey, the system and its three main hospitals, Hillcrest, Jacobs, and East Campus Medical Centers, now rank among the top 20 facilities in the entire country. This marks an all time high for the organization, which has maintained its position as the number one health system in San Diego for seven consecutive years.
The recognition comes after a rigorous evaluation of nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide. While only sixteen percent of those surveyed received a Best Hospitals designation, UC San Diego Health stood out by achieving national rankings in eight different specialties. The system saw particularly strong performances in pulmonology and lung surgery, which ranked seventh nationally, and obstetrics and gynecology, which came in eighth. Other highly rated areas include cardiology, geriatrics, neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and cancer care.
Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla attributed this success to a collaborative spirit between physicians, nurses, and researchers who prioritize patient care above all else. He noted that being recognized as one of the leading destinations for healthcare in America serves as a testament to the dedication of the staff and their ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients across the community. Chief Executive Officer Patty Maysent added that these record breaking results stem from blending cutting edge scientific advances with compassionate medical expertise.
Beyond specific specialty ranks, the health system was labeled as high performing in twenty two separate procedures and conditions ranging from stroke care to orthopedic surgeries. Dr. Michael Madani emphasized that these achievements are the result of constant innovation and personalizing treatment plans for every individual who walks through their doors. As the only academic health system in the region, UC San Diego Health continues to bridge the gap between groundbreaking laboratory research and bedside clinical outcomes for thousands of residents throughout Southern California.
