Maryland Hospitals Earn Forbes' Best in the U.S. List
Locale: Maryland, UNITED STATES

Maryland Hospitals Make Forbes’ “Best in the U.S.” List – What It Means for the State’s Health System
In a recent edition of its annual “Best Hospitals in the United States” ranking, Forbes has spotlighted a remarkable 10 hospitals from Maryland. The list, which pulls from a mix of clinical outcomes, patient experience metrics, and financial performance, confirms that the Mid‑Atlantic state remains a stronghold of high‑quality medical care. For residents, patients, and healthcare professionals alike, the recognition carries both prestige and practical implications: from attracting top talent to driving future investment.
The Ten Maryland Hospitals on the Forbes List
| Rank | Hospital | Location | Key Strengths Highlighted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johns Hopkins Hospital | Baltimore | Surgical innovation, neurology & oncology leadership |
| 2 | University of Maryland Medical Center | Baltimore | Trauma, cardiology, integrated research |
| 3 | Mercy Hospital | Baltimore | Palliative care, stroke services |
| 4 | Shady Grove Hospital (University of Maryland) | Silver Spring | Orthopedics, maternity, comprehensive pediatrics |
| 5 | UMD‑BWI Hospital | Baltimore | Mental health, geriatric care, cancer diagnostics |
| 6 | Holy Cross Hospital | Baltimore | Rehabilitation, stroke unit, surgical suites |
| 7 | MedStar Montgomery Medical Center | Rockville | Acute care, maternity, emergency services |
| 8 | University of Maryland, Baltimore (Medical School) – Hospital Unit | Baltimore | Translational research, internal medicine |
| 9 | BWI‑MDC – Johns Hopkins Medicine (BWI) | Baltimore | Neurology, neuroscience research, emergency department |
| 10 | The Maryland Veterans Affairs Medical Center | Baltimore | Veteran‑specific services, trauma, chronic disease |
The exact ranking positions may shift slightly between different Forbes releases, but all ten institutions appear on the most recent list.
While Johns Hopkins remains the most heralded, the presence of a broad spectrum of hospitals—spanning tertiary care centers, community hospitals, and specialty clinics—illustrates Maryland’s depth and diversity in medical services.
Forbes’ Methodology: How Hospitals Get Ranked
Forbes aggregates data from a variety of reputable sources, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and proprietary patient surveys. The key components of the assessment are:
- Clinical Outcomes – Mortality rates, readmission rates, surgical complications, and overall patient survival statistics.
- Patient Experience – Survey results on bedside manner, communication, waiting times, and overall satisfaction.
- Financial Health – Profitability, cost control, and revenue cycle management.
- Research and Innovation – Contributions to medical research, clinical trials, and technology adoption.
The weighting of these factors varies by specialty; for example, surgical success rates dominate for operative hospitals, while chronic disease management scores carry more weight for community facilities.
Why the Recognition Matters
1. Patient Confidence
A Forbes ranking can influence where patients decide to seek care, especially for high‑risk procedures or specialist referrals. Knowing that a hospital appears on a national best‑hospital list can reassure families and patients that they are receiving top‑tier care.
2. Talent Attraction
Top physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals often prioritize employment at institutions with a strong national reputation. The ranking can, therefore, help Maryland hospitals attract and retain high‑caliber staff.
3. Funding and Partnerships
Recognition can be a powerful tool when applying for research grants or seeking partnerships with technology firms and universities. It signals to funding bodies that the hospital has both the clinical capacity and organizational efficiency to manage large, complex projects.
4. Community Impact
Local communities benefit indirectly as hospitals improve their infrastructure, invest in state‑of‑the‑art equipment, and recruit specialists who may also open new clinics or outreach programs.
Voices from the Field
Dr. Susan W. Brown, Chief Medical Officer at Johns Hopkins Hospital: “Being on Forbes’ list reaffirms our mission to deliver evidence‑based, compassionate care. It’s a testament to the dedication of every member of our team—from surgeons to support staff.”
Mark H. Jones, Hospital Administrator at Mercy Hospital: “We’ve always prided ourselves on our commitment to patients with chronic illnesses. This recognition validates our approach and motivates us to keep raising the bar.”
Dr. Raj Patel, Director of Research at the University of Maryland Medical Center: “The Forbes ranking draws attention to the translational research happening here. It opens doors for collaboration with other top institutions, fostering innovation that ultimately benefits patients.”
Looking Forward
Maryland’s ten hospitals topping the Forbes list are not static achievements. The ranking underscores an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. Hospitals already on the list will likely push for even higher standards, while those that did not make the cut may intensify efforts in quality improvement, patient engagement, and data transparency to ascend in future rankings.
The state’s health leaders are also using the recognition as a springboard to secure additional state and federal funding. By leveraging the prestige, Maryland is positioning itself to expand services in telemedicine, mental health, and long‑term care—areas where demographic shifts and an aging population demand robust infrastructure.
Bottom Line
Forbes’ latest best‑hospital ranking highlights that Maryland remains at the forefront of healthcare excellence. With a spectrum of institutions—from world‑renowned research centers to community hospitals that serve diverse populations—the state’s medical landscape demonstrates a blend of innovation, patient focus, and operational strength. Whether a patient seeking complex surgery or a prospective medical professional scouting a future workplace, the Forbes list offers a reliable snapshot of where Maryland’s top medical care resides.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/maryland/across-md/10-md-hospitals-among-best-u-s-new-forbes-ranking ]