Mercy Hospital of Buffalo has been recognized as a “High Performing Hospital” for lung cancer surgery in the 2025-26 Best Hospitals rankings by U.S. News & World Report. This designation places the hospital among the top medical centers in the United States for this procedure.
“This national recognition signals to our patients and community that they are receiving some of the highest rated lung cancer care in the nation,” said Mercy Hospital President Derek Drake, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE. “We’re extremely proud of our physicians, nurses, and support staff whose dedication to our patients and commitment to high quality care have helped us earn this distinguished achievement.”
U.S. News & World Report evaluates more than 4,500 hospitals each year across 25 specialties, procedures, and conditions. Only about 10% of these hospitals receive a high performing rating in any category. The assessment for lung cancer surgery considers factors such as patient survival rates, prevention of prolonged hospital stays, readmission rates, patient volume, experience and safety measures, infection rates, and other indicators.
“We are thrilled to be receiving this prestigious rating in lung cancer surgery for the first time,” said Dr. Mark Jajkowski, Director of Thoracic Surgery at Catholic Health. “Through the use of advanced robotic-assisted technology, our thoracic surgery team along with pulmonologists, oncologists, interventional radiologists and our skilled nurses, technicians and OR staff have come together to offer our patients state-of-the-art world class care right here in Buffalo.”
The rankings are compiled by U.S. News & World Report in partnership with RTI International.
