UAB Hospital has once again been named the top hospital in both Alabama and the Birmingham metro area, according to the 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings released Tuesday. This marks the 12th consecutive year the hospital has received the No. 1 ranking in the state.

“Being recognized as the top hospital in the state and metro area is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our physicians, nurses, and staff,” said Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of the UAB Health System. “These rankings reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care and advancing innovative treatments across a wide range of specialties.”

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This year, UAB Medicine is nationally ranked in five adult specialties:

• Rheumatology – No. 11

• Ear, Nose and Throat – No. 14

• Obstetrics and Gynecology – No. 28

• Neurology and Neurosurgery – No. 42

• Geriatrics – No. 49

In addition to the national rankings, the hospital received high-performing ratings in seven more specialties and was recognized as high-performing in 19 adult procedures and conditions.

Another facility within the system, UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, was ranked No. 4 in Alabama and No. 2 in the Birmingham metro area.

UAB Health System, which includes UAB Hospital, operates across 11 owned, affiliated, and network hospitals with more than 2,600 licensed beds. UAB Hospital is the eighth-largest hospital in the U.S. and is currently the only Level I trauma center in Alabama recognized by the American Academy of Surgeons.

Other components of the system include Callahan Eye Hospital, the only specialty eye hospital in the state, and Viva Health, which provides coverage to over 78,500 Alabamians. The system reports providing over $30 million annually in unreimbursed Medicaid care.

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The University of Alabama at Birmingham is the largest single employer in the state, with over 28,000 employees. It is also a major research institution with more than $780 million in annual research expenditures and an economic impact of $12.1 billion. The school offers more than 180 degree programs and has maintained enrollment above 21,000 students for six consecutive years.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].