Lewis First, M.D., M.S., professor and chair of pediatrics at the Larner College of Medicine and chief of pediatrics at the UVM Children’s Hospital, commented to the Burlington Free Press about Vermont’s recognition as one of the best states in the nation for children’s health.
The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital plays a significant role in this achievement. Its care quality and access to primary and specialty care have earned numerous awards and recognitions over the past year. The March of Dimes awarded the hospital an ‘A’ grade for perinatal services—making Vermont the only state to achieve an ‘A’ ranking in 2024. The hospital was also named among America's Best Maternity Hospitals by Newsweek, received an endorsement from the American Diabetes Association for its Pediatric Diabetes clinic, earned the Press-Ganey Human Experience Guardians of Excellence Award, and received the 2024 KidsSafe Collaborative Award for Outstanding Collaboration for its Child Safe Program.
“As the only full-service children’s hospital serving our region, it is important to make sure all children have access to primary care, subspecialty and critical care services,” First said. “That is exactly what we strive to do in providing the highest quality child-friendly family-centered care possible. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of talented physicians, nurses, and staff who value the special relationship with our patients and families and the importance of caring and community—that is the key factor in why our health outcomes are ranked so high.”