UHN 2nd best hospital in the world: Newsweek

TORONTO – University Health Network’s Toronto General Hospital has ranked second in the world in Newsweek magazine’s World’s Best Hospitals 2026, marking the highest position ever achieved by a Canadian hospital. This also marks the eighth consecutive year that University Health Network has been ranked as the world’s #1 universally accessible hospital.

“This global recognition affirms UHN’s legacy of discovery and our pursuit of excellence where care, research, and education move together in service of patients,” said Dr. Kevin Smith (pictured), president & CEO, University Health Network. “It belongs to TeamUHN: clinicians, researchers, educators, learners, and staff whose collective work is delivering exceptional care, advancing discovery, and preparing the next generation of health professionals.”

He added, “This is a moment of pride for Ontario and Canada, but not a victory lap. It is a call to lead with ambition, to advance health research at scale, and to ensure Canada continues to shape what’s next in health care and science.”

UHN’s Toronto Western Hospital and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre were also recognized in the annual ranking of the World’s Top 250 medical centres. Princess Margaret continued to rank as Canada’s leading oncology hospital and among the top 10 globally in Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals ranking.

The ranking marks a defining moment for Canada on the global stage, demonstrating what is possible when excellence, innovation and universal access move together at scale.

The distinction reflects the collective efforts of TeamUHN and the strength of UHN’s integrated academic health sciences system, where research, specialized clinical care and education are united to drive impact.

From complex cardiac care, transplantation and surgical innovation at Toronto General Hospital, to cancer research and care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, breakthroughs in neurosciences and musculoskeletal health at Toronto Western Hospital, and Canada’s largest rehabilitation and complex continuing care network through Toronto Rehab and West Park Healthcare Centre, discovery is embedded across every part of care.

Completing this continuum, the Michener Institute of Education, Canada’s only dedicated applied health sciences university, prepares the next generation of health professionals. Anchored by Canada’s largest and most research-intensive hospital system, this model enables UHN to care for the most complex patients while shaping the future of medicine.

The achievement is made possible through the ongoing support of the Ontario and federal governments, the UHN Foundation, the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, and the generosity of donors whose investments help advance care, discovery and education for patients in Canada and around the world.

Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals ranking assesses thousands of hospitals across 32 countries. It is based on an international survey of both medical experts and patients, and key quality metrics.

“Being ranked the second-best hospital in the world is a powerful validation of the strength of our integrated academic health system,” said Dean Connor, chair, Board of Directors, University Health Network. “It reflects the collective impact of TeamUHN and affirms that excellence can thrive within a universal health system. This moment brings pride and a responsibility to continue advancing what healthcare can achieve for patients in Canada and globally.”