University of Washington Medical Center, a 910-bed academic medical center, is ranked in the top 50 hospitals in the nation for multiple adult specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2026-27. It is the only hospital in Washington state with more than one national top 50 ranking, with rehabilitation medicine at No. 13, urology at No. 29, and cancer care at No. 42 in collaboration with Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center. As part of UW Medicine, the health system of the University of Washington, it serves as a referral hub for the five-state region of Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. In fiscal year 2025, UW Medical Center recorded more than 31,000 admissions, 420,000 clinic visits and 77,000 emergency department visits. The medical center is committed to offering the latest techniques, technologies and treatments with compassionate and patient-centered care. Among its many innovations, UW Medical Center developed the shunt that made long-term dialysis possible and performed the first kidney, heart and adult liver transplants in the Pacific Northwest. In 1994, it was the first hospital in the world to earn Magnet designation for nursing excellence. In 2024, it opened a new 150-bed hospital building that provides a safe and welcoming environment to treat patients with complex medical and behavioral health needs. Through its “3 Wishes” program, it is improving end-of-life experience for patients in ICUs by fulfilling a set of meaningful wishes for patients and their families.
