5 Reasons Why Cohen Children's Medical Center Is A National Pediatric Powerhouse In 2025

The Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) is not just a regional hospital; it is a national powerhouse in pediatric healthcare, consistently setting the benchmark for excellence. As of late 2025, the center continues its remarkable streak of recognition, cementing its place among the nation's elite, a testament to its cutting-edge specialty programs, dedicated staff, and innovative research. This article dives deep into the most current developments and key factors that make CCMC a leader in caring for children, from groundbreaking surgical programs to a critical focus on mental health. The facility’s enduring commitment to providing the highest quality of care for children across New York and beyond is reflected in its recent accolades and strategic leadership changes. The continuous investment by Northwell Health into specialized areas like pediatric cardiology and behavioral health ensures that the hospital remains at the forefront of medical advancements, offering hope and healing to thousands of families annually.

Cohen Children's Medical Center: Essential Biography and Profile

Cohen Children's Medical Center is the largest provider of pediatric health services in New New York State and a crucial part of the Northwell Health system. Its history and operational profile are marked by continuous growth and a commitment to specialized, comprehensive care.

• Official Name: Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center
• Location: New Hyde Park, New York (Long Island)
• Affiliation: Northwell Health
• Former Names: Schneider Children's Hospital (renamed in 2010 after a significant donation from Steven and Alexandra Cohen), and North Shore-LIJ Medical Center.
• Key Leadership (2025 Update): Annemarie Stroustrup, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President of the Pediatrics Service Line and Physician-in-Chief. She succeeded Charles Schleien, MD, MBA, marking a new chapter in the center’s leadership.
• Focus: Comprehensive care across all pediatric specialties, ranging from common childhood illnesses to complex, life-threatening conditions.
• Major Milestone: The center recently marked 40 years of caring, highlighting its long-standing dedication to pediatric health.

1. The Unbroken Streak: 2024–2025 National Rankings

The most compelling evidence of Cohen Children's Medical Center's clinical excellence is its consistent performance in national evaluations. For the 18th consecutive year, the center has been named to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report's Best Children's Hospitals list. This remarkable achievement places the hospital among the nation's top pediatric centers, demonstrating sustained quality and innovation in patient care. The 2024-2025 rankings are a clear indicator of the center's status as a leader in the New York metropolitan area, where it tied for the No. 1 top pediatric hospital spot.

Deep Dive into Top-Ranked Pediatric Subspecialties

The overall ranking is further bolstered by Cohen Children's performance across specific clinical areas. The center was ranked in the top 50 nationally for an impressive 10 pediatric subspecialties, showcasing its depth of expertise. This topical authority in diverse fields means that families do not have to travel far for highly specialized care. Key top-50 national rankings include:

• Pediatric Cancer: Ranked highly for its comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treating childhood malignancies.
• Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology: Recognized for managing complex hormonal and metabolic disorders in children and adolescents.
• Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health: A crucial ranking that highlights the center's commitment to mental health, which is increasingly recognized as vital to overall pediatric well-being.
• Other Specialties: Significant rankings were also achieved in areas like Neonatology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, and Urology, confirming the breadth of specialized services available.

2. Pioneering Long Island's First Pediatric Heart Transplant Program

One of the most significant entities that solidifies CCMC's role as a regional leader is its specialized cardiac care. The hospital is home to Long Island's first and only Pediatric Heart Failure & Transplant Program. This program is a beacon of hope for children with end-stage heart disease, offering life-saving interventions that were previously unavailable locally. The program is led by a nationally acclaimed team of pediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and specialized nurses. The presence of this program not only saves lives but also enhances the hospital's research capabilities in pediatric cardiology, contributing to the broader field of medicine. This level of specialization is a major factor in the hospital's high national ranking and its reputation for handling the most complex cases.

3. Advancements in Neonatal and Critical Care

Cohen Children's Medical Center is a major hub for neonatal care, providing world-class services for the most vulnerable patients—newborns. The hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a high-level facility equipped to manage premature infants and those with severe birth defects or critical illnesses. A key program demonstrating their commitment to long-term health is the Neonatal GRAD Clinic. * Goal-Oriented Follow-Up: The clinic provides continuing outpatient care for infants after they are discharged from the NICU. * Optimizing Development: The primary objective is to optimize the growth, development, and overall health outcomes for these high-risk babies. * Multidisciplinary Approach: Care involves a team of specialists, including neonatologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and developmental pediatricians, ensuring comprehensive support as the child grows. Furthermore, the center's Pediatric Hospital Medicine department is staffed by dedicated pediatric hospitalists—physicians with special expertise in caring for children admitted to the hospital. These hospitalists ensure seamless, high-quality care throughout a child's stay, from admission to discharge, working closely with primary care physicians and subspecialists.

4. Proactive Response to Public Health and Mental Wellness

In the current medical landscape of 2025, a top-tier children's hospital must address not only acute illness but also evolving public health challenges. Cohen Children's Medical Center has demonstrated a proactive approach in two critical areas:

The Focus on Pediatric Behavioral Health

Recognizing the national mental health crisis among youth, CCMC has positioned its Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health services as a core component of its mission. The center is actively working to "create a new narrative around mental health," emphasizing that a healthy mind is as important as a healthy body. This commitment is evident in its top-50 national ranking for this specialty, offering specialized programs for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other complex psychological conditions.

Staying Ahead of Infectious Disease

Recent news highlights CCMC’s role in disseminating crucial, up-to-date information on infectious diseases. In October 2025, the center released insights regarding the RSV vaccine, providing new help against this dangerous virus, which is a major concern for infants and young children. By actively educating the public and implementing the latest preventative measures, the center serves as a vital resource for community health, not just a treatment facility.

5. Strategic Leadership Driving Future Innovation

The appointment of Annemarie Stroustrup, MD, MPH, as the new Physician-in-Chief is a significant development that signals the center's direction toward research and integrated care. Dr. Stroustrup, who also serves as the Senior Vice President of the Pediatrics Service Line, is poised to lead the hospital's strategic initiatives. This leadership change under the larger Northwell Health umbrella ensures that Cohen Children's Medical Center will continue to integrate the latest research findings into clinical practice. The focus remains on innovative thinking and advanced expertise across all clinical areas. The center's ability to attract and retain top medical talent, exemplified by this leadership transition, is the foundation for its sustained national prominence and its capacity to offer personalized, cutting-edge care to every child who walks through its doors.