Miami Ranks Among Nation’s Best in Cancer Care
Miami and South Florida residents have access to one of the nation’s leading cancer care centers. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, has been ranked No. 1 in Florida and No. 23 nationwide for cancer care in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.
The recognition marks a major milestone for healthcare in South Florida. Sylvester climbed 22 positions from No. 45 last year, achieving the largest ranking improvement in the cancer center’s history.
For patients and their families, the achievement highlights an important advantage: access to nationally recognized specialists, advanced treatments, and groundbreaking research close to home, without necessarily traveling to another city for highly specialized care.
“Our rise reflects years of commitment to building a truly comprehensive cancer center where scientific discovery and exceptional patient care advance hand in hand,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., director of Sylvester.
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida, Sylvester combines cancer prevention, scientific research, clinical trials, and specialized patient care. One of its strengths is its academic Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program, the only one of its kind in the region. The program gives patients facing complex or difficult-to-treat cancers opportunities to access experimental therapies years before they may become widely available.
Continued investment in medical innovation has also contributed to Sylvester’s growth. In 2025, the center opened the 12-story Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building, doubling its research space and bringing physicians, scientists, and data specialists together.
Beyond its facilities, Sylvester is expanding access to cancer prevention and education through community initiatives such as Game Changer, a mobile program offering screenings, educational resources, and research opportunities in medically underserved neighborhoods.
Miami Excels in Other Medical Specialties
UHealth’s national recognition extends beyond cancer care. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute maintained its position as the nation’s No. 1 ophthalmology program for the 25th consecutive year, while UHealth’s neurology and neurosurgery program ranked No. 14 nationally.
Five additional specialties earned high-performing ratings, placing them among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide.
Together, these achievements strengthen Miami’s reputation as a leading destination for specialized healthcare.
More importantly, they represent meaningful opportunities for South Florida families to receive advanced medical treatment, benefit from scientific discoveries, and access some of the country’s most respected healthcare programs within their own community.
