Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Rankings & UCLA Comparison

Choosing a hospital in Los Angeles can feel like a high-stakes decision, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is almost always in the conversation. Ranked #2 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for 2024–2025, this nonprofit teaching hospital has built a reputation that extends far beyond Hollywood.

U.S. News 2024–2025 Rank: #2 in nation ·
Beds: 919 ·
Staff: Over 12,000 employees ·
Location: 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Here are the key facts about Cedars-Sinai at a glance.

Is Cedars-Sinai the Best Hospital in the World?

World rankings for Cedars-Sinai

Cedars-Sinai consistently appears near the top of national lists. In the U.S. News & World Report 2024–2025 rankings, it placed #2 in the nation. That puts it behind only the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, which holds the #1 spot. On a global scale, the Statista World’s Best Hospitals 2025 list also places Mayo Clinic first, with Cedars-Sinai ranking in the top tier but not #1 worldwide.

Top hospital in the world according to Statista 2025

According to Statista, the world’s #1 hospital is Mayo Clinic. Cedars-Sinai, while not the global leader, is widely recognized as one of the top 20 hospitals internationally. The difference comes down to how each ranking weights factors like patient outcomes, research output, and reputation.

The implication: For most patients, a national #2 ranking carries more practical weight than a global top-20 position.

What Does Cedars-Sinai Specialize In?

Cardiology and heart surgery

The Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute (a leading cardiovascular research center) is a major draw. The hospital ranked #6 nationally in Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery in the 2025 U.S. News rankings, and it was the only hospital in California to claim the #1 spot in the state for that specialty.

Cancer care and neurosurgery

Cedars-Sinai is nationally ranked in Cancer and in Neurology & Neurosurgery (#9 nationally). Its Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute is a designated center of excellence.

Orthopedics and women’s health

Orthopedics at Cedars-Sinai is ranked #1 in California, and Obstetrics & Gynecology is #1 in Los Angeles. The hospital also ranks #2 nationally in Gastroenterology & GI Surgery and #12 in Urology, showing depth across multiple adult specialties.

In total, Cedars-Sinai was nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties in the 2025 U.S. News rankings, as reported by Cedars-Sinai Newsroom.

Here are the specialty rankings for Cedars-Sinai.

The pattern: Cedars-Sinai’s strongest specialties are concentrated in cardiac and digestive care, where it leads California.

Which Hospital is Better, Cedars-Sinai or UCLA?

Comparison of national rankings

Both hospitals are among the best in the country, but they lead in different areas. Cedars-Sinai is #2 nationally; UCLA Medical Center is tied for #5. However, UCLA is ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 children’s specialties, giving it broader coverage. Cedars-Sinai leads in California for cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics; UCLA leads in nephrology, pulmonology, and diabetes.

Six specialties, one pattern: Cedars-Sinai dominates in cardiac and digestive care, while UCLA excels in kidney and lung care.

Here is a direct comparison of the two hospitals.

Comparing specialties and patient volume

UCLA Medical Center is part of a larger university system with a medical school, giving it an edge in pediatric care and research breadth. Cedars-Sinai, as an independent nonprofit, focuses on adult specialties and has a strong reputation for patient experience. The choice often depends on the specific condition: for heart surgery, Cedars-Sinai is the top California pick; for kidney disease, UCLA is stronger.

The catch: The right choice hinges on the patient’s condition and whether pediatric or academic resources are needed.

What Are the Top 3 Hospitals in California?

Ranking of California’s best hospitals

According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024–2025 list, the top three hospitals in California are:

1. UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles)
2. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles)
3. Stanford Health Care (Stanford)

Cedars-Sinai’s #2 position in the state reflects its strong performance across multiple specialties, even though it ranks #1 in California for cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics.

Which Famous People Were Born at Cedars-Sinai?

Notable births at Cedars-Sinai

Cedars-Sinai has long been a popular choice for Hollywood families. While the hospital does not officially track the number of celebrity births, it is widely reported that many high-profile families choose Cedars-Sinai for its privacy, location, and reputation.

Celebrity babies and public figures

Children of stars like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Kylie Jenner were born at Cedars-Sinai, making it a recurring name in entertainment news. The hospital’s maternity unit is known for offering luxury suites and discretion, which attracts a celebrity clientele. However, the exact number of famous births is not publicly documented.

What this means: While celebrity births are a notable part of the hospital’s identity, the lack of official data should be weighed against the confirmed medical strengths.

Timeline: Cedars-Sinai History

• 1902 – Kaspare Cohn Hospital founded (precursor to Cedars of Lebanon Hospital). (Cedars-Sinai history page)
• 1950 – Cedars of Lebanon Hospital opens new facility. (Cedars-Sinai history page)
• 1961 – Mount Sinai Hospital founded. (Cedars-Sinai history page)
• 1990s–present – Expansion of research and specialty centers; becomes top-ranked nationally. (Cedars-Sinai history page)

The pattern: Cedars-Sinai’s evolution from a small community hospital to a national powerhouse spans over a century of growth and specialization.

Cedars-Sinai is committed to providing world-class specialty care and advancing medical research to improve patient outcomes.

— Cedars-Sinai official website (healthcare institution)

The 2024–2025 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings highlight the best hospitals across the country, recognizing those that excel in complex care.

— U.S. News & World Report (hospital rankings publisher)

According to the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 list, the Mayo Clinic is the leading hospital globally, with Cedars-Sinai among the top institutions in the United States.

— Statista (market research firm)

For anyone in Southern California evaluating hospital options, the choice between Cedars-Sinai and UCLA comes down to specialty strengths and personal preference. The data shows Cedars-Sinai leads in cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics within the state, while UCLA offers broader pediatric coverage and a few higher-ranked specialties nationally. For patients needing top-tier adult cardiac or digestive care, Cedars-Sinai is the clear California standout.

For a deeper look at its Hollywood connections, check out this guide to the celebrity hospital in Los Angeles.

Frequently asked questions