What do the mission statements of 14 children’s hospitals, ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, have in common?
In the complex world of pediatric healthcare, mission statements serve as the guiding stars that illuminate the path forward for hospitals dedicated to healing the youngest and most vulnerable among us. These statements are more than formalities; they are the guiding principles that shape the culture and priorities of an organization.
At first glance, the top ranked children’s hospitals, spread across the country and serving diverse geographical areas, might seem to have little in common beyond the population they serve. Yet, a closer look at their mission statements reveals a shared commitment in what drives them to excellence.
The word cloud below – generated from the mission statements of the top 14 children’s hospitals, ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report – provides a visual representation of the most used words. The bigger and bolder the word appears, the more often it’s mentioned within a set list or group of text.
Word Cloud:
Hospitals included: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Children’s National Hospital, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Rady Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The Breakdown
The mission statements of America’s top children’s hospitals consistently emphasize key themes, with the the most frequently seen words being:
Research, Advocacy, Education, Community, Outcomes, Excellence, and Families.
These shared values are the foundation of their success, driving their focus and ultimately landing them on the list of best in the country. Let’s dive into how each theme plays a pivotal role.
Research – Research is the engine that powers innovation in pediatric care, and it seems the best children’s hospitals are at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries. Their mission to advance medical knowledge through rigorous research leads to new treatments, cures, and protocols that save lives.
Advocacy – Advocacy is at the heart of each of these leading children’s hospitals, where the mission extends beyond medical care to championing the well-being of children. These leaders are shaping healthcare policies, promoting health equity, and ensuring that every child has access to the care they need.
Education – Education is a clear, fundamental priority for these hospitals, where the emphasis on learning influences every layer of the organization. They focus on preparing the next generation of pediatric healthcare professionals while also providing parents with essential resources to support their child’s well-being.
Outcomes – The nation’s top children’s hospitals measure success not just by the care they provide but by the outcomes they achieve. They ground their guiding principles in achieving the best possible result for these children and their families with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
Community – Community engagement is a vital aspect of what makes these children’s hospitals leaders in their field. They are cornerstones of their communities, extending their impact beyond the hospital walls and improving public health. Many build strong relationships with local organizations and host community events to better support the children and families in their area.
Excellence – Excellence is more than a goal for these hospitals; it’s the standard that drives all hospital operations. Highlighted as the best in the nation, these pediatric care leaders strive to exceed expectations and set new benchmarks for pediatric healthcare every day.
Families – The well-being of a child is deeply intertwined with the support of their family, and these hospitals understand that and prioritize family-centered care. They empower families to play an active role in their child’s care and provide the necessary emotional support for their healing journeys.
The Wrap Up
It’s clear these top ranked children’s hospitals’ deeper, unifying commitments in their mission statements are part of what makes them stand out in their field. Their shared dedication to research, advocacy, education, community, outcomes, excellence, and family-centered care not only distinguishes them as leaders in pediatrics but also drives their ongoing success. By staying true to these guiding principles, they continue to provide life-changing care and uphold the highest standards of excellence, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for the children and families they serve.
