Golisano Children’s Earns National Recognition for Pediatric Cancer
University of Rochester Medicine Golisano Children’s has once again been recognized among the nation’s best in the 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings. The rankings, released September 15, placed Golisano #45 in the pediatric cancer category.
This marks the third time in four years that Golisano Children’s has been recognized for pediatric cancer.
“We are honored that Golisano Children’s continues to be recognized among the best in the nation in treating pediatric cancer,” said Jill Halterman, MD, MPH, physician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s. “This ranking reflects the excellence and dedication of the clinicians and staff in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, who work every day to provide exceptional care for children and families. I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”
The Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, as part of Golisano Children’s and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, provides care for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer, blood disorders, bone marrow failure, and congenital immune deficiencies. Wilmot is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, giving families access to the latest research-driven therapies and clinical trials.
The division strives to improve the prevention and treatment of childhood cancers as well as the management of long-term complications of therapy through clinical and laboratory research. In addition, the team develops clinical research programs for stem cell transplantation, including regimens for malignant and nonmalignant disorders such as sickle cell disease and immune deficiencies.
“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to providing children, adolescents, and young adults with the highest level of cancer care—right here in our region,” said Jamie Flerlage, MD, MS, chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. “Our mission extends beyond treating cancer. We are committed to delivering innovative, cutting-edge therapies while making it possible for patients to remain close to their families, schools, communities, and support systems during one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Flerlage continues, “As the Wilmot Cancer Institute continues to grow, so too will our ability to bring leading-edge cancer care, clinical trials, and specialized expertise to patients throughout our region. We are building a program that combines national expertise with deeply personal, individualized care—because every patient deserves access to the treatment that is right for them, as close to home as possible.”
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Golisano Children's works in conjunction with the Wilmot Cancer Institute and is a key participant in the clinical research organizations of the Children's Oncology Group. These organizations collaborate with other major pediatric clinical trial groups to accelerate efforts to cure and prevent cancers occurring in children and adolescents.
“We are proud to have this team as part of our NCI-designated cancer institute and to see them rank nationally for multiple years in a row,” said Jonathan W. Friedberg, MD, MMSc, director of Wilmot Cancer Institute. “Under Jamie Flerlage’s leadership, they have strengthened their commitment to ensuring children throughout our large catchment area have access to tomorrow’s treatments today through clinical trials and other research efforts. For example, in the last year and a half, we have added pediatric basic science researchers and opened new pediatric oncology clinical trials. We look forward to continuing to improve outcomes for our youngest patients through these and other efforts.”
