U.S. News evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals in 14 specialties. Hospital performance was assessed based on various measures, including patient outcomes, level of nursing care, patient-reported experience, and available technology such as computer-assisted orthopedic surgery. The methodology factored in data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, professional organizations, and medical specialists.

“We are proud to once again be recognized as a leader in orthopedics and rheumatology,” said HSS President and CEO Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA. “This distinction reflects the extraordinary expertise, dedication, and collaboration of the entire HSS team. For patients across the New York metropolitan region, it is also a powerful validation that the best orthopedic care in the country is available right here in their community. Through comprehensive musculoskeletal care, we help patients preserve mobility, enhance their quality of life, and extend their healthspan so they can continue doing what they need and love to do.”

“This recognition from U.S. News reflects HSS’s unwavering commitment to advancing musculoskeletal health through clinical excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care,” said Douglas E. Padgett, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director of HSS. “Perhaps the greatest measure of our impact is the trust of patients who travel to HSS from across the country and around the world seeking care have placed in us. This distinction reflects our dedication to achieving exceptional outcomes and our belief that preserving movement is the foundation of longevity and quality of life.”

Patients come to HSS from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, often for both common and complex medical conditions or challenging surgeries requiring highly specialized care. As a global destination for orthopedic and rheumatologic care, HSS brings together world-renowned physicians, advanced treatment approaches, and multidisciplinary teams dedicated to delivering personalized, evidence-based care for patients of all ages and activity levels.

“Our rankings reflect the extraordinary expertise, dedication, and innovation of the physicians, scientists, researchers, and care teams who make HSS a leader in rheumatology,” said Anca D. Askanase, MD, MPH, Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at HSS. “Through groundbreaking research, advanced therapies, and highly personalized care, we are helping to transform the lives of patients living with complex autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.”

“The pace of discovery in musculoskeletal medicine is accelerating at an unprecedented rate,” said Joel Press, MD, Physiatrist-in-Chief at HSS. “Advances in artificial intelligence, data science, and precision medicine are helping researchers uncover new insights faster and translate those discoveries into more effective, personalized care. With HSS’s singular focus on musculoskeletal health and unmatched depth of clinical expertise, we are uniquely positioned to turn innovation into meaningful improvements in outcomes for patients everywhere.”

As the world’s leading academic medical center specializing in musculoskeletal health, HSS maintains among the lowest hospital readmission rates for orthopedics in the nation, and among the lowest rates for infection and complications. HSS is the worlds most awarded hospital in orthopedics by Newsweek each year since the “World’s Best Specialized Hospitals” survey was introduced in 2020.

In 2025, HSS clinicians and surgeons provided specialized care to more than 258,016 patients with orthopedic or rheumatologic conditions, such as pain or injury to the back, neck, or joints; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; lupus; scleroderma; and psoriatic arthritis. HSS performed more than 45,864 orthopedic surgical procedures in 2025.

HSS is the official hospital of and provides team physicians to more than 25 high-performing sports teams and leagues, including the New York Giants, New York Knicks, New York Liberty, Brooklyn Nets, New York Mets, New York Red Bulls, TCS New York City Marathon, National Basketball Players Association, Major League Pickleball, US Youth Soccer, and UFC. It is designated a Medical Center of Excellence by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

In this role, Dr. Press will help shape the future of non-operative musculoskeletal care across  HSS – supporting regional expansion, optimizing practice operations, enhancing access and the patient experience across all sites of care, and overseeing a diverse portfolio of clinical programs.

Dr. Press will report to Douglas E. Padgett, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief and Medical Director at HSS, and will work closely with Associate Surgeon-in-Chiefs Drs. Answorth Allen and Mathias Bostrom, as well as department and service leaders, to advance and integrate non-operative musculoskeletal care across the institution. He will also have a central leadership role in institutional initiatives focused on quality, safety, innovation, and strategic growth.

“Dr. Press has made significant contributions to the advancement of musculoskeletal medicine and is one of the most highly regarded physiatrists in the diagnosis and management of non-operative sports and spine conditions,” said Bryan Kelly, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of HSS. “His leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing HSS’s mission to expand access to high-quality non-operative care, deepen physician engagement, and drive innovation in musculoskeletal health.”

Dr. Press is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He brings decades of experience building and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary musculoskeletal programs and is widely respected for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to advancing value-based, patient-centered care.

“Dr. Press will be a strong asset to our executive team as we work to shape HSS’s next chapter—one defined by expanded access, integrated care, clinical innovation, and enduring leadership in musculoskeletal health,” said Douglas E. Padgett, MD, Surgeon-in-Chief and Medical Director at HSS.

Dr. Press is currently Physiatrist-in-Chief at HSS and Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He has built a distinguished clinical and leadership career in musculoskeletal care, including his prior role as founder and director of the Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Centers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

A prolific scholar and educator, Dr. Press has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications, edited multiple textbooks, and has held national leadership roles across major professional societies in musculoskeletal medicine, rehabilitation, and sports medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Northwestern University.

For 25 years, Dr. Press has been consistently named among the best doctors in the country by Castle Connolly.

“I am honored to serve as Physician-in-Chief at HSS during such a pivotal moment in the evolution of musculoskeletal care,” said Dr. Press. “I look forward to partnering with my colleagues to build on HSS’s extraordinary legacy and help shape what comes next not just at HSS but within the field of musculoskeletal health at large.”

Taking place in Central Park on June 28, 2025, this year marks the 44th edition of the FRNY Pride Run, which has awarded $250,000 over the past eight years to a variety of LGBTQIA+-focused, New York-based organizations. Through this agreement, the HSS logo will appear on all race singlets worn by participants. As the official hospital of the Pride Run, HSS will also host a tent in the post-race festival area, with a representative on-site to assist in presenting medals during the awards ceremony. Additionally, on June 25 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the NYRR Run Center, FRNY will host a Pride Run panel focused on LQBTQIA+ inclusion and safety in sports. Jennifer O’Connell, MD, a specialist in Physiatry, Spine, and Sports Medicine at HSS, will offer insights on trans and queer affirming care for runners and athletes.

“We’re thrilled to be the singlet sponsor for the 2025 FRNY Pride Run—a vibrant celebration of movement, inclusion, and community. At HSS, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and proudly support events that move us all forward. Let’s lace up, show up, and run with pride!” said Jillian Rose-Smith, PhD, MPH, LCSW, vice president and chief health equity officer at HSS.

The annual event has grown into one of the largest LGBTQIA+ sporting events in New York City—and globally. Organized by FRNY in collaboration with New York Road Runners, the nonprofit that produces more than 60 annual adult and youth events, including the New York Road Runners’ TCS New York City Marathon.

“The Pride Run is a celebration of our visibility, our resilience, and the power of our community to show up together to run. We’re thrilled to partner with HSS to help keep our community healthy and running their best,” said J Solle, 2025 FRNY LGBT Pride Run® Director.      

This announcement builds on the work HSS has done in the running community as the official hospital of both the TCS New York City Marathon and New York Road Runners.

About FRNY

Front Runners New York (FRNY) is New York City’s LGBTQIA+ running club. The club was founded in 1979 and has grown to over 1100 members annually. FRNY’s mission is to provide encouragement and support to LGBTQIA+ adults and their supporters who are interested in running and running-related activities. FRNY has created a social running community focused on health and fitness that is welcoming to all New Yorkers. FRNY offers a robust, inclusive membership experience.

The club is affiliated with New York Road Runners (NYRR) and the International Front Runners organizations and is a member of the Road Runners Club of America.

The Tribute Dinner is HSS’s premier fundraising event recognizing physicians, philanthropists and business leaders who have made a major impact in the field of musculoskeletal medicine. The evening, hosted by WABC-TV Eyewitness News anchor Sade Baderinwa, featured entertainment by Emmy Award-winning comedian Jim Gaffigan and a musical performance by The Castellows.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest recognition for an outstanding healthcare leader at HSS. “Both Dr. Albert and Dr. Press have made significant contributions to the advancement of musculoskeletal medicine and exemplify the finest qualities found in physicians,” said Douglas E. Padgett, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS. “Their knowledge and skill in their respective fields and commitment to providing the highest quality of care make them the kind of doctors you would want for your own family.”

The HSS Tribute Dinner Award recognizes outstanding achievements in business and service to the community. “We celebrate Ken Wilson not only for his illustrious career but also for his many years of leadership and support at HSS,” said HSS President and CEO Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA. “We are privileged to recognize him for his 24 years of service on the HSS Board of Trustees, including five years as Board Chairman. During his tenure, his strong leadership and vision for the future led to unprecedented growth, with an expansion of HSS services not only in New York but also in Connecticut, New Jersey and Florida.”

This year’s Tribute Dinner, attended by over 800 guests and raised more than $6.5 million for patient care, research and medical education.

HONOREES

Kendrick R. Wilson, III

Mr. Wilson is Chairman Emeritus of the HSS Board of Trustees, having served in that role from 2013 to 2018. During his tenure, he oversaw a major expansion of HSS services and locations. In total, he served on the Board from 1998 to 2022, at which time he became a Life Trustee.

Mr. Wilson is best known for his career in the banking industry, where he gained the respect of his peers for his strategic insight and leadership. During his long career on Wall Street, he played a role in some of the most significant transactions in the financial services industry. At the height of the financial crisis of 2008, President George W. Bush asked him to work as an adviser to then Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to help resolve the financial crisis.

Mr. Wilson retired as Vice Chairman of BlackRock, Inc. in the first quarter of 2018 and was a member of its Global Executive Committee. He also served as Chairman of BlackRock's Human Capital Committee and BlackRock Alternative Investors. Before going to Washington in the summer of 2008, he was Vice Chairman, Investment Banking of Goldman Sachs & Co. and a member of Goldman's Executive Office. He also served as Chairman of Goldman's Financial Institutions Group.

He has served on the boards of numerous public and private corporations in the United States and overseas. In addition to HSS, he is a Trustee Emeritus of the Montana Land Reliance and Middlebury College. Mr. Wilson also served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Montana State University Foundation.

Todd J. Albert, MD

Over the years, Dr. Albert has earned a reputation as a highly skilled and greatly respected spine surgeon nationally and internationally. He is Surgeon-in-chief Emeritus and Richard Rogers Professor to Advance Spine Care at HSS, as well as a professor of orthopaedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical School. His practice specializes in the treatment of cervical spine disorders as well as degenerative and traumatic conditions of the spine.

Dr. Albert is a member of multiple national and international medical societies. He is president- elect of the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons and served as president of the Cervical Spine Research Society and Scoliosis Research Society.

Dr. Albert has written more than 90 book chapters, edited 14 books and published more than 450 peer-reviewed articles. He has received outstanding paper awards from the North American Spine Society, the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine and the Cervical Spine Research Society. He serves on the editorial boards for several academic journals. He has been recognized with the John J. Gartland Award for Resident Education and the Jean McDaniel mentorship award at HSS. He was also awarded the Nicolas Andry Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons.

Joel M. Press, MD

Dr. Press is Physiatrist-in-Chief and the Joel and Anne Ehrenkranz Chair in Physiatry

at HSS and a professor of rehabilitation medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He has published and edited multiple articles and textbooks, chaired numerous courses and lectures extensively nationally and internationally on the rehabilitation of spine and sports-related injuries.

Prior to joining HSS, Dr. Press was an attending physician at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago from 1988 to 2016. In 1989, he founded and directed the Spine and Sports Rehabilitation Centers at the Institute. He was a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and the Reva and David Logan Distinguished Chair of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. He served as Vice President of External Relations and the Executive Medical Director for Outpatient Physician Services at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

He has been an oral board examiner and written board examination-item writer for the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is a past president of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the North American Spine Society and the Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation.

The pelvic floor is a collection of muscles stretching from the pubic bone to the tailbone that supports organs including the bladder and uterus. It helps to stabilize the pelvis and spine, assists with sexual function and supports bowel and bladder control.

Dr. Brown explains that pregnancy-related changes in pelvic health can cause pain in the lower back, hips and pelvis. As the body adapts to a shifting center of gravity, additional stress is placed on areas of the body that were not previously under strain.

“Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can lead to joint laxity, increasing stress on the joints,” Dr. Brown said. “An expanding uterus places considerable pressure on the pelvic floor. During delivery, the expansion of the pelvis and the pelvic floor stresses the supporting muscles, which can lead to pelvic pain.”

At HSS Orthopedics with Stamford Health – Westport, a new outpatient facility located in Westport, Connecticut, Dr. Brown typically uses physical therapy to treat pelvic floor disorders. For those of her patients who do not require physical therapy, she will collaborate with gynecology, gastroenterology, and/or urology for comprehensive care. Some patients may also benefit from seeing a psychologist to help address the emotional aspects of living with a pelvic floor condition.

“Patients are feeling more confident and comfortable with discussing their symptoms,” says Dr. Brown. “A factor driving increased awareness is that we are developing better pathways for patients to reach pelvic health specialists for diagnosis and treatment.”

Physical therapists specializing in pelvic health provide care at several HSS Sports Rehabilitation locations in Norwalk and Stamford, Connecticut through this collaboration. 

The HSS Perinatal Movement and Physical Well-being Resource Center focuses on helping patients stay active and healthy pre- and post-pregnancy. The collaborative group provides personalized care to patients experiencing issues ranging from back pain during pregnancy and postpartum return to exercise. Ancillary services include massage, nutrition and Pilates to support patients in their health and fitness goals.

Postpartum return to exercise is important, Dr. Brown explained. “Many studies show a decline in physical activity among women after childbirth, which is a public health issue. One of my goals is to pursue noninvasive treatments to encourage a return to exercise, which benefits the mother and child.”

“I think we are headed in a positive direction regarding pelvic health rehabilitation,” Dr. Brown adds. “With increased access to pelvic health specialists, research, and education, we will be able to provide care for many of those who need it.”

The study, published first online May 16 in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, reported early outcomes for 54 patients who enrolled in the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program between March 2022 and December 2023. Almost 90% of patients had two or more lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Nearly all, 96%, successfully achieved their goals for improving health prior to elective orthopedic surgery.

HSS orthopedic surgeons identify patients with an elevated risk for surgical complications and poor outcomes based on lifestyle-related chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease and poor lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, and refer them to the program. These conditions have been linked to longer hospital stays, increased complications, higher early surgical revision rates, and increased readmissions.

The HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program helps patients either improve their health before a scheduled elective surgery or qualify for a surgery they previously could not schedule due to the severity of their chronic diseases. Patients work with an interprofessional team to set personal goals to improve their pain, function, sleep and overall health.

Of the 54 patients, 41 had surgical dates already set, and 93% improved their health and had surgery on time. For the group of 13 patients referred to the program to try to improve their health and then be reassessed to see if they could qualify for surgery based on improved health measures, 85% were able to proceed with surgery. Collectively, 91% of patients underwent surgery following enrollment in the program.  

“We were surprised at how quickly patients could make lifestyle changes,” said HSS physiatrist Heidi Prather, DO, founder and Medical Director of the HSS Lifestyle Medicine Program and a Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. “Change is really hard, so the fact that our intensive program achieved such strong results is amazing. We anticipate that attaining these personal health goals will lead to improved post-surgical outcomes.”  

“We use motivational interview techniques to understand patients’ individual health improvement goals,” said Dr. Prather. “Most patients are highly motivated to make changes and opt in to the program after learning that their pain and functional mobility issues are related to or exacerbated by chronic diseases and lifestyle choices.”

The intensive program focuses on the “six pillars of lifestyle medicine,” which include eating a whole-food, plant-predominant diet; maintaining physical activity; practicing healthy sleep; managing stress; making time for positive social connections; and avoiding or limiting tobacco and alcohol. It is delivered primarily online over about three months.

Each patient receives an individualized plan based on their personal goals. A dedicated scheduler facilitates booking appointments and a care navigator helps them communicate with program team members. The HSS interprofessional Lifestyle Medicine Team includes a physiatrist and nurse practitioner, both Diplomats of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, as well as an endocrinologist, dietitian, health coach, exercise physiologist, physical therapist, and smoking cessation advanced practice providers.

Almost 90% of patients had two or more lifestyle-related chronic diseases; a majority, 79%, had poor sleep; and 57% had zero cumulative minutes of weekly physical activity. Most study participants were living with obesity, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 43.2 kg/m².

Overall, 42 patients (72%) lost weight and reduced their BMIs, albeit modestly: The average weight loss was 11 pounds, and the average BMI reduction was 1.8 kg/m².

“While addressing obesity is important to many patients, our program is not a weight loss program. There is no magic weight-loss goal for reducing chronic disease risk,” said Dr. Prather. “Instead, we focus on lowering systemic inflammation through the six pillars of lifestyle medicine. Change is what we’re looking for. Even a modest weight reduction, such as five pounds, along with improved sleep, physical activity and diabetes control, can help improve surgical outcomes.”

Study participants also reported improvements in pain, physical and mental health, and anxiety and depression scores.

“We continue to collect data to evaluate the impact of the program on patient health, surgical risk reduction, functional and patient satisfaction, and longer-term outcomes related to adopting healthier lifestyle changes,” Dr. Prather said. The team is also exploring new ways to make lifestyle-based approaches more appealing and accessible. For example, later this year, HSS program participants will be able to take part in live online cooking sessions offered by nutritional chef Caryn Dugan, a new consulting member of the HSS team and the founder of the Center for Plant-Based Living.

HSS will provide world-class medical services to St. John’s University athletes, including on-site medical coverage for the men’s and women’s basketball and soccer programs, as well as men’s lacrosse. HSS sports medicine physiatrist, James F. Wyss, MD, PT, and primary sports medicine physician Osric S. King, MD, will serve as co-head team physicians. Dr. Wyss previously served as the team physician from 2010 to 2016, while Dr. King held the role from 2005 to 2016.

“HSS is committed to delivering unrivaled care to athletes at all levels. We are thrilled to extend our clinical expertise to St. John’s University through a partnership that emphasizes a shared dedication to excellence in sports medicine and athlete health,” said Dr. Wyss. “We look forward to engaging with the campus community and providing comprehensive support to these talented student-athletes as they pursue their academic and athletic goals.”

“The St. John’s Sports Medicine department is thrilled with our partnership with Hospital for Special Surgery and the exceptional care and expertise that they will bring to the university in managing the orthopedic injuries for our student-athletes,” said Jill Christensen, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Wellness at St. John’s University.

As part of this partnership agreement, HSS will sponsor a St. John’s Athletics community event, highlighting the mutual commitment of both parties to enhance community well-being and advance athlete fitness and performance.

"St. John’s is well-known for its athletic programs, and we are proud to offer their student-athletes access to the highest quality of sports medicine resources to enhance performance, ensure proper recovery, and support the balance of their academic and athletic commitments,” said Dr. King. “HSS is dedicated to delivering exceptional care across the tri-state area and supporting athletes at every level. We are eager to strengthen our partnership with the St. John’s community in Queens.”

“We are excited to partner with Hospital for Special Surgery, one of the world's preeminent medical institutions in the world, and the number one orthopedic hospital in the United States,” said John Diffley, Deputy Athletics Director/ COO at St. John’s University.