By Danielle Pierce

VCU Medical Center has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital in the Richmond metro area for the 14th consecutive year and the No. 2 hospital in Virginia for a second year in a row by U.S. News & World Report. 

VCU Medical Center is also the only Richmond metro area hospital to receive national recognition in several specialty areas in 2024-25 Best Hospital rankings. Cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation were ranked in the top 50 nationally. 

"These rankings are a testament to the unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of our outstanding team members," said Michael Roussos, president of VCU Medical Center. "We are inspired daily by their commitment to excellence in patient care, medical education, and groundbreaking research." 

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care, and patient experience. 

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Vascular surgery is one of VCU Medical Center’s specialties ranked nationally by U.S. News and World Report in 2024-2025. (Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

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VCU Health Pauley Heart Center leads cardiology, heart and vascular surgery to national ranking

VCU Medical Center was the only program in Virginia ranked nationally for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery, ranking No. 42 in the nation due to the outstanding work of VCU Health Pauley Heart Center.

The center provides a full spectrum of clinical cardiac services, from consultation to diagnostic tests to treatment of the most complex cardiac conditions, with expertise in heart failure, heart transplant, electrophysiology, adult congenital heart disease, cardio-oncology, preventive cardiology, and advanced imaging. Over the past three decades, Pauley clinicians and researchers have pioneered many of the treatments and devices that are now cardiovascular standards of care across the world.

“Our mission is to improve cardiovascular care for all through research, outreach, education, and the best clinical care in the commonwealth,” said Greg Hundley, M.D., director of the Pauley Heart Center. “We have achieved this outstanding national recognition from U.S. News & World Report thanks to that mission, and more importantly, thanks to the tireless Pauley team members who enact it seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

Orthopedics sprints ahead, claiming No. 33 in the nation

VCU Health’s orthopaedic surgery department was recognized as No. 33 in the nation for its comprehensive approach to helping patients live their best lives. It is the only Virginia hospital nationally ranked in this specialty.

Whether participating in their favorite sports, enjoying recreational hobbies, or going about their daily activities, the department's multidisciplinary team delivers the highest level of patient care. Their sophisticated techniques and cutting-edge research are focused on ensuring patients can return to doing what they love.

“Our team has grown in size and scope of care to include all aspects of orthopaedic surgery. Our unwavering focus on quality, safety and excellent patient experience has resulted in top-tier care delivered every day to our patients,” said Stephen Kates, M.D., chair of orthopaedic surgery. “VCU’s orthopaedic surgeons, APP’s, nurses and care team deserve this national recognition for their tireless pursuit of excellence.”

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Sheltering Arms Institute is a joint venture between VCU Health and Sheltering Arms. (Sheltering Arms Institute)

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A VCU Health collaboration with Sheltering Arms Institute propels rehabilitation program to top 20 in the nation

In 2016, VCU Health and Sheltering Arms entered into an agreement to form Sheltering Arms Institute, a joint venture aimed at addressing the need for comprehensive physical rehabilitative care in Central Virginia.

Opened in June 2020, the 114-bed inpatient rehabilitation facility ranks No. 19 in the nation for physical rehabilitation and remains the top rehabilitation hospital in Virginia. Last year, in its first year of eligibility, the Institute ranked 29th in the country. 

“We strive to create the best possible rehabilitation programs and patient experience so each person can achieve their best outcomes,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. “This recognition reflects the teamwork and dedication of our team members, volunteers, and donors; however, the greatest reward is serving others and seeing our patients make progress on their rehab journeys.”

“The VCU Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation offers world-class care, cutting edge research and innovative training experiences that benefit the lives of individuals with disabilities across the Sheltering Arms Institute, the Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and at facilities throughout the Central Virginia,” said David Cifu, M.D., chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “We proudly serve civilians, veterans and service members and our physician, psychology and research faculty are appreciative to be recognized as a Top 20 program in the nation.”

‘High Performing’ in cancer care and several adult specialties

U.S. News also recognized VCU Medical Center as “High Performing” in cancer; gastroenterology and GI surgery; and pulmonology and lung surgery.

The publication designates adult specialty areas as High Performing in recognition of care that was significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes. 

VCU Medical Center also earned the highest ranking possible on 10 critical procedures and conditions. Those services include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• Colon cancer surgery;
• Gynecological cancer surgery;
• Heart attack;
• Heart bypass surgery;
• Heart failure;
• Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma;
• Lung cancer surgery;
• Pneumonia;
• Prostate cancer surgery

For additional information, please see U.S. News & World Report, VCU Medical Center