Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital landed 19th in Illinois and 19th in the greater Chicago area in U.S. News & World Report's 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings, released Tuesday, Aug. 4.
The Downers Grove hospital earned "high-performing" marks in eight adult medical procedures and conditions, including ear, nose and throat surgery, cardiac arrhythmia and kidney failure care, according to Patch, which reported the results from U.S. News.
That's a select group. U.S. News evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide, and only 504 made the "Best Regional Hospitals" list, NBC Chicago reported. The Chicago metro area claimed 20 of those spots, one of the highest totals of any metro in the country.
Good Samaritan's recognition comes in a year when U.S. News overhauled its methodology. The publication placed greater weight on risk-adjusted patient outcomes and reduced the emphasis on hospital size, staffing and reputation, according to Chief Healthcare Executive. That shift helped more small and mid-size hospitals earn recognition than in prior years.
"Most healthcare is provided locally or regionally, and it should be provided locally or regionally," Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News, told Chief Healthcare Executive on Aug. 4.
The 37th annual rankings also introduced new regional specialty categories in cancer; cardiology, heart and vascular surgery; orthopedics; and rehabilitation. Analysts reviewed more than 800 million patient-care records to compile the specialty ratings and procedure scores.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center tied for No. 1 in Illinois. Closer to Downers Grove, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield ranked sixth and Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville ranked ninth. Good Samaritan, part of the Advocate Health Care system, sits between those nearby systems in the regional picture.
Upcoming community events
Westmont's Academy of Music and Art is holding auditions for its 37th youth musical. The Downers Grove Farmers Market continues Saturdays through the fall season downtown. Residents can check village websites for updated schedules and registration details.
