Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health has earned U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of Top 50 Best Children’s Hospitals in the nation for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. This is the second consecutive year that the hospital has earned this ranking in these areas. (story continues below)

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Now in its 17th year, the publication’s annual ranking system is designed to assist families and their physicians in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions. The rankings are measured by key areas including surgical outcomes, quality, patient experience and peer reputation.
“We are incredibly proud of the recognition that Oklahoma Children’s Hospital has received by U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of Top 50 Best Children’s Hospitals in the nation for our specialties in Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery,” said Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH, OU Health president and CEO. “This year’s rankings reflect the commitment our team has in providing Oklahomans with such a high level of care that they truly do not need to leave the state.”
Both programs were able to demonstrate improved rankings because of continued focus on clinical outcomes and continued investments by OU Health into these programs. OU Health created a new hybrid pediatric catheterization lab, complete with ambient lighting, as well as added two new procedure rooms outfitted for pediatric endoscopies. In addition, the pediatric gastroenterology team dedicated resources to grow its parent and family support group.
Leaders of these programs include Harold Burkhart, M.D., cardiothoracic surgery; Arshid Mir, M.D., pediatric cardiology; Muhammad Altaf, M.D., pediatric gastroenterology; and Catherine Hunter, M.D., pediatric surgery.
“These physician leaders have built incredible programs,” said Stephanie DeLeon, M.D., associate chief medical officer for children’s services. “They are each nationally respected in their fields, and they have focused on bringing lifesaving treatments to Oklahoma’s children while simultaneously ensuring