Maryland’s hospital systems are once again earning national attention for their commitment to high-quality patient care. In the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 list — the first of its kind evaluating hospitals across the United States — several Maryland hospitals stand out for exceptional performance across clinical outcomes, patient experience, value, and safety.
Among these distinguished institutions are MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, two facilities that exemplify the strength of community-focused health care in the region.
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital: Trusted Care in Baltimore
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, located in northeast Baltimore, has long served its community with a wide range of medical services and specialized care. Over more than 160 years, the hospital has become known for excellence in areas such as orthopedics, hand and upper-extremity treatment, heart and vascular care, and sports medicine.
As part of the Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 rankings, MedStar Union Memorial is recognized among the nation’s top community hospitals delivering quality care. The hospital’s specialties — including The Curtis National Hand Center and advanced palliative care services — reflect a focus on clinical depth and patient outcomes.
This recognition builds on local acclaim; independent reviews show strong patient satisfaction and high performance in key clinical areas, reinforcing the hospital’s reputation as a trusted medical center in the Baltimore metropolitan region.
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center: Excellence in Community Health
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson, Maryland, also earns praise as a top hospital in the Forbes 2026 rankings. The medical center is celebrated for its high-quality care programs, which include dedicated heart and cancer institutes, orthopedic services, and a strong family birthing center.
UM St. Joseph’s long history of compassionate, community-based care — rooted in its Catholic health care tradition — continues to earn accolades from national health care organizations. In addition to Forbes recognition, the hospital has received multiple awards for patient safety and clinical excellence, reflecting its holistic approach to health care delivery.
What the Forbes Recognition Means
Forbes compiled its 2026 Top Hospitals list by evaluating hundreds of general acute care hospitals across America, using measures that emphasize real-world outcomes, evidence-based practices, value, and patient experiences.
Being included in this list highlights the ongoing efforts of hospital staff, clinicians, and administrators to provide exceptional care to patients and their families. For communities served by MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, this recognition is a point of pride and assurance that world-class care exists close to home.
Final Thoughts
As healthcare continues to evolve, national accolades like Forbes Top Hospitals 2026 spotlight institutions that elevate standards and improve patient lives. Facilities such as MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center not only bring advanced medical care to Maryland residents but also strengthen local health systems and community well-being.
These honors reflect a commitment to excellence that patients, families, and caregivers alike can trust — and a model for high-quality health care across the nation.