U.S. News & World Report released its 2026-27 Best Hospitals rankings Aug. 4. The rankings for orthopedics evaluated nearly 1,000 hospitals nationwide that provide care for spinal surgeries and fusions, joint replacement, limb preservation and other musculoskeletal and connective tissue conditions.
Here are the physicians leading the teams at the top five hospitals in the rankings for orthopedics:
- Hospital for Special Surgery (New York City) – Led by Douglas Padgett, MD.
Dr. Douglas Padgett is surgeon-in-chief and medical director at Hospital for Special Surgery. A hip and knee reconstruction specialist, he previously led HSS’ Hip Service and Adult Reconstruction and Joint Replacement Service. A Navy veteran, he has also held leadership positions with the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and The Hip Society, with research interests in joint replacement outcomes, robotic surgery and deep vein thrombosis prevention.
- NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital (New York City) – Led by Joseph Zuckerman, MD.
Dr. Joseph Zuckerman is the Walter A.L. Thompson Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health. An internationally recognized expert in shoulder surgery and hip and knee replacement, he is a past president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and has helped shape orthopedic education through decades of residency leadership and research.
- Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.) – Led by Aaron Krych, MD.
Dr. Aaron Krych is chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the John and Posy Krehbiel Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic. A sports medicine and joint preservation specialist, he focuses on biologic treatments for knee and hip injuries, including meniscus repair, cartilage restoration and regenerative medicine. He is the orthopedic surgeon for the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and leads research aimed at advancing cartilage repair, stem cell therapies and joint preservation to delay or prevent joint replacement.
- NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell (New York City) – Led by William Levine, MD.
Dr. William Levine is chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Frank E. Stinchfield Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and chief of orthopedic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. An internationally recognized sports medicine specialist, he specializes in shoulder, elbow and knee surgery. Dr. Levine is a past member of the American Orthopaedic Association Executive Committee and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, has published more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, and received the inaugural American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Foundation Founders Legacy Award in Leadership in 2024.
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles) – Led by Mark Vrahas, MD.
Dr. Mark Vrahas is chair of the Department of Orthopaedics at Cedars-Sinai and the Levin/Gordon Distinguished Chair in Orthopaedics in honor of Myles Cohen, MD. An orthopedic trauma specialist, he previously served as vice chair of orthopedic surgery at Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital and held faculty appointments at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Vrahas has led major orthopedic trauma programs throughout his career and is recognized for his work in fracture care, trauma su
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.