“My baby went from fussy to lifeless in hours—by the time we reached the PICU, they said he might have had six hours to live.” In this episode, TikTok Influencer and Medical Mom Marlee Brandon, a pediatric speech-language pathologist turned full-time mom, shares the...
U.S. News Children’s Hospital Rankings 2025: Why the BEST Outcomes Demand the Human Touch (with Ben Harder)
Podcast Show Notes
Is the “best” hospital just about technology and surgical success? Ben Harder, the journalist who oversees the methodology and data for the U.S. News Best Children’s Hospitals Rankings (2025), joins Katie to break down what truly defines quality in pediatric care.
Ben shares his deeply personal family story—a tragedy 50 years in the past that drives his commitment to making data-driven information accessible today. This episode is a crucial guide for parents, explaining the three core pillars of the rankings: structure/resources, processes of care, and patient outcomes.
We dive into why essential human-focused services like Child Life Specialists, chaplains, and family advisory boards are included in the scorecard and how they influence the rankings. Ben illuminates the challenge faced by these vital “cost centers” in a revenue-driven healthcare system, and offers a powerful message: parents are the strongest possible advocates for their children, and they should use every resource available—including the U.S. News data—to make informed, collaborative choices for their child’s care team.
See the Rankings
- U.S. News Best Children’s Hospitals Rankings: All data is freely available for families to research hospitals by region and specialty.
Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways
- The Personal Motivation: Ben shares the heartbreaking story of his cousin, whose permanent brain injury after a heart surgery complication 50 years ago lacked the complete care team needed to ensure a good outcome—a void the U.S. News data is designed to fill today.
- The Three Pillars of Ranking: US News analyzes over 1,000 data points grouped into: 1) Resources/Structure (nurses, expertise, technology, child life services), 2) Processes of Care (following best practices, infection control), and 3) Outcomes (survival, length of stay, quality of life).
- The Honor Roll: The 2025 Honor Roll features the top 10 hospitals recognized for high performance across multiple specialties, including: Boston Children’s Hospital, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Cincinnati Children’s, Texas Children’s Hospital, and others.
- A Piece of the Puzzle: The rankings are one resource to use alongside insurance coverage, geographic location, and most importantly, consulting your child’s doctors and trusting your parental intuition.
- The Value of Human Support: Services like Child Life Specialists, support groups, and family advisory boards are included in the structural data points, serving as a motivator for hospitals to invest in comprehensive, family-centered care.
- Advocacy is Essential: Ben gives parents permission to advocate relentlessly, reminding them they know their child best. Collaborating with—not simply questioning—the care team can be life-saving.
Chapters:
|
Timestamp |
Topic |
|
0:00 |
Ben Harder’s Personal Connection to Hospital Rankings |
|
1:03 |
The Official Launch of the U.S. News Best Children’s Hospitals 2025 |
|
3:20 |
US News Honor Roll: The Top 10 Children’s Hospitals |
|
4:26 |
FREE COURSE Ad: Shots, Blood Draws & Comfort Positioning |
|
5:35 |
Meet Ben Harder: Journalist, Father, and Best Hospitals Lead |
|
7:59 |
The 3 Pillars of US News Ranking Methodology (1000+ Data Points) |
|
11:37 |
The Role of Expert Work Groups in Defining Data |
|
13:58 |
The Future of Family Expertise in Shaping Rankings |
|
16:59 |
How Families Should Use the U.S. News Rankings |
|
21:09 |
Why Child Life Services and Support Resources Matter in Rankings |
|
25:12 |
Why Support Services are Overlooked: Revenue vs. Cost Centers |
|
27:54 |
Ben Harder’s Personal Story: The Tragic Need for Comprehensive Care |
|
31:00 |
The Efficacy and Impact of Child Life Specialists |
|
34:36 |
What Families Should Expect and Ask For: Advocacy Permission |
|
38:23 |
Where to Find the U.S. News Best Children’s Hospitals Rankings |
|
38:58 |
Disclaimer |
Resources for You
1. Unlock Two FREE Courses (Value $250+)
We want to equip you to better support your child during medical experiences! Get our popular courses “How to Prepare, Support, and Respond to Your Child During Shots, Blood Draws, and Vaccines” AND “How to Use Comfort Positioning in Pediatrics” completely free.
How to Get It:
- Leave a written review for the Child Life On Call podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
- Take a quick screenshot of your submitted review.
- Email the screenshot to: podcast@childlifeoncall.com
2. Connect with Child Life On Call
- Website: ChildLifeOnCall.com
- Instagram: @ChildLifeOnCall
Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. The host and guests are not licensed therapists or medical doctors. Always consult with your child’s qualified medical professional for advice specific to your family’s situation.
You Might Also Like…
278: Surgery for Pediatric Drug-Resistant Epilepsy and Infantile Spasms – Audrey’s Story
When Audrey Vernick looked at her infant son Bennett's MRI, a single, terrifying sight became clear: half of his brain was black. This devastating image was the result of a massive stroke Bennett suffered in utero. This was the beginning of a challenging journey that...
277: A Speech Language Pathologist’s tips to Helping Your Child Thrive -Luba’s Story
When your child starts needing specialized medical care, you meet a whole new team of experts. Among the most important are Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). As an SLP and mother of three, Luba Kaplan emphasizes they do much more than help with talking—they help...
