Nemours/A.I duPont Hospital for Children is recognized for its work in a number of specialties.
The latest U.S. News and World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” rankings lists A.I. duPont in the top 50 nationally in eight of the 10 areas of care rated. A.I’s top ranking came in Orthopedics where it is rated fifth in the country.
A.I. duPont Hospital CEO Dr. Kevin Churchwell says he is not surprised orthopedics is ranked, adding he believes it could reach number one.
“You look around the country and those who are trained in pediatric orthopedics- those surgeons all know about Nemours/A.I. and many have trained here," said Churchwell "So for us to be recognized as number five is very important. It just shows the hard work, the investment and the expertise we’re providing ”
A.I duPont Hospital for Children also ranked 21st nationally in gastroenterology and 31st for cardiology and heart surgery.
The U.S. News rankings are based on a survey of doctors in each specialty examined and an analysis of each hospital’s patient outcomes and resources.
The rankings are giving increasing weight to the data gathered. They now account three-quarters of a hospitals grade in each area. Churchwell says that's good news for A.I.
“As you can imagine, it’s tough to break into the reputation aspect [measure by the surveys], but true data – data that is not biased, that really displays how well you’re doing – that’s especially important and continues to be a stronger component of the rankings. And as that gets stronger, our rankings will improve,” said Churchwell.
Churchwell adds he expects the soon-to-be completed expansion at the hospital will also help it rise in stature.
"I just said I was frustrated with [measuring] reputation, but I will tell you that [the expansion] will help our reputation," said Churchwell. "It will make us a flagship place in state of Delaware. We will be well-recognized and that will help us with our overall recognition."
A.I, duPont also ranked 21st nationally in gastroenterology and 31st for cardiology and heart surgery in this year’s U.S News rankings.