Mott Recognized as the #1 Children’s Hospital in Michigan

“I drive in to work every day and I can’t wait to get there,” shares Luanne Thomas Ewald, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Michigan Health’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital.

For her, taking pride in being part of the Mott team is an understatement. Her daily commute fuels a mantra, “What’s going to be amazing today?”

Labeling her pride in working at Mott as just that would surely be an understatement. This isn’t just a place of work, it’s a haven where miracles are created daily.

U.S. News & World Report rankings

Honored repeatedly by U.S. News & World Report, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital recently bagged the title of the #1 children’s hospital in Michigan.

Yet, the grandeur doesn’t stop there. The hospital’s reputation extends far beyond state lines, being the only children’s hospital in Michigan nationally ranked across all ten specialties, and receiving the highest statewide ranking in each.

Throughout the Midwest, Mott stands tall as the 3rd ranked hospital — a testament to the relentless dedication of its staff.

In light of such prolific achievements, one might question: Do these accolades truly matter?

According to Thomas Ewald, they absolutely do. But not for reasons you’d typically expect.

“The children’s hospitals aren’t in competition with each other…we’re advocates for children’s health nationally,” she affirms.

Global exposure

What’s the true value of these awards? Firstly, they raise awareness about the hospital and its specialties not only nationwide, but across the world. Mott has proven to be a beacon of hope for families from as far away as Haiti and Saudi Arabia.

With national rankings of #11 in Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery, #16 in Pediatric Cancer, and #20 in Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, it’s no wonder families traverse the globe to receive treatment from Mott’s physicians.

Well-deserved staff kudos

Secondly, these honors reinforce the relentless efforts of their staff. It’s a warm pat on the back, a toast to the toils of those who perform this challenging work day after day.

Opportunity to improve

However, far from resting on their laurels, each honor is perceived not as a final destination but rather a stepping stone for relentless self-improvement and growth.

Fueled by these awards, the hospital’s leadership transforms recognition into rigorous introspection. Year after year, they analyze the survey data identifying areas of improvement and strengthening their commitment to quality, safety, and positive patient outcomes.

“In addition to the clinical care, which everyone expects…we also try to put a lot of effort into the patient and family experience. While they’re with us, we know it’s not going to be an easy or fun time…It’s the last place any child or parent wants to be. So while they’re here, what can we do to bring normalcy to the environment?”  Thomas Ewald said.

Their answer? A holistic approach to healing that includes animal, art, and music therapy, along with engaging Lego building and digital gaming programs for young patients. They’re also sculpting a soothing sanctuary — a park adjacent to the hospital — to provide families a moment’s respite during challenging times.

A recent event in partnership with Make a Wish Michigan is another timely example. They held a huge toy drive and celebrated the winter holidays with children throughout the entire hospital. 

Always improving

An initiative Thomas Ewald is very passionate about is Mott’s ambition to make their world-class care accessible to other communities. Providing the answers to questions such as, “How do we bring the experts in Ann Arbor into the community so we can provide greater access? That’s what brings me joy…really getting into our communities…really trying to keep that care in the communities has always been my philosophy.” 

Indeed, we’re privileged to have this globally renowned hospital right in our backyard. And as for the future, it’s safe to predict that Mott will continue to garner the highest of accolades for years to come.

“It’s very rewarding when we get these results and it’s a nice boost for our staff who really do this difficult work day in and day out,” she said.