Valley Children’s Earns U.S. News & World Report Recognition for 10th Consecutive Year
For the 10th year in a row, Valley Children’s has been named among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report, earning a spot on the 2025–2026 Best Children’s Hospitals list for excellence in Pediatric Pulmonology & Lung Surgery.
“To be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for a 10th consecutive year reflects our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Todd Suntrapak, Valley Children’s president and CEO. “This is not just about rankings. It’s about the trust our families place in Valley Children’s and the impact we have on children’s lives across our region. I am deeply proud of our physicians and staff whose expertise and compassion continue to set the standard for pediatric care.”
The recognition underscores Valley Children’s leadership in caring for children with complex lung conditions.
“Caring for children with serious and often lifelong lung conditions requires advanced expertise, along with deep compassion and teamwork,” said Dr. Reddivalam Sudhakar, Valley Children’s medical director of pediatric pulmonology. “Our team is dedicated to improving the lives of every patient and family we serve, no matter how complex the diagnosis. I am honored to work alongside some of the best, right here in the Central Valley.”
For the 2025–2026 rankings, U.S. News and research firm RTI International analyzed data from 118 children’s hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. Hospitals earning a “Best” designation excelled in clinical outcomes, adherence to best practices and quality of resources directly tied to patient care.
Valley Children’s Earns 11th Consecutive CARF Accreditation
Valley Children’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Center earned a three-year accreditation from the prestigious Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities International (CARF), marking its 11th consecutive recognition for excellence in pediatric rehabilitation services.
The Center provides comprehensive, high-quality care for children recovering from complex medical conditions and traumatic injuries, including neurological dysfunctions, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
“We deliver the highest level of comprehensive care with a diverse, compassionate and highly skilled interdisciplinary team that is passionate about helping children recover,” said Dr. David Tomajan, Valley Children’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation medical director.
"This accreditation affirms our commitment to specialized rehabilitation services that give every child the best possible chance to heal, grow and lead full lives.”
CARF conducted a rigorous, peer-reviewed process, including a comprehensive, on-site survey to evaluate performance, accountability and measurable outcomes. Valley Children’s met and exceeded internationally recognized standards, demonstrating its dedication to continuous improvement in care and service.
“I want to share my personal congratulations to the entire team at Valley Children’s on once again achieving a three-year accreditation with CARF International,” said Terrence Carolan, CARF International managing director of Medical Rehabilitation and Aging Services. “It is no easy task. Their ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of their patients by improving quality and performance improvement is admirable.”
Valley Children’s first earned CARF accreditation in 1992 and remains one of only two pediatric facilities in California, and just three on the West Coast, with this designation.
Valley Children’s Earns State Recognition for Safe Antibiotic Practices
Valley Children’s achieved silver status on California’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) Honor Roll, a distinction that highlights the hospital’s leadership in advancing safe antibiotic use to improve patient outcomes and reduce the spread of infections.
This achievement underscores Valley Children’s commitment to patient safety and quality care. By reducing unnecessary antibiotic use and preventing resistance, the hospital helps protect children from infections and ensures effective treatments remain available for future generations.
Awarded by the California Department of Public Health’s Healthcare-Associated Infections Program, this honor recognizes the state’s top-performing ASPs that promote responsible antimicrobial use and prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and Clostridium difficile infection.
“Valley Children’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program is a team-driven program that includes infection prevention, microbiology, nursing, pharmacy and providers who ensure we use antimicrobials safely to treat each patient, while minimizing collateral damage such as side effects of the medication and/or antimicrobial resistance,” said Valley Children’s Pharmacist Dr. Brenik Kuzmic.
Organizations on the honor roll follow national guidelines, commit to ongoing education and implement best practices to advocate for smart antimicrobial use. Valley Children’s program reflects these principles through collaboration and innovation.
Dr. Kuzmic added: “It is nice to get recognition for the day-to-day work we are doing.”