Best Children's Hospitals US News & World Report 2025-26
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Collage of five recipients and finalists for Best in Care Award; Text: Boston Children's Hospital, Where the world comes for answers

Celebrating the 2024–25 Best in Care Award finalists and winners

Honoring extraordinary care for our patients and the families who love them

At Boston Children’s Hospital, care extends far beyond clinical expertise. Every day, our teams care not only for patients, but for the families who carry their fears, hopes, histories, and joys. The Best in Care Award recognizes staff who embody this belief as individuals who listen deeply, honor the whole family’s experience, and bring compassion, connection, and humanity into every encounter.

This year’s finalists represent the very best of that spirit. Their reflections, and the words of the families who nominated them, show what it looks like when expert care is paired with humanity, humility, and heart.

About the Best in Care program

The Best in Care program is 100 percent patient- and family-nomination driven, offering families a way to recognize staff and volunteers who made a meaningful difference before, during, or after a care experience. Every nominee receives a congratulatory letter from hospital leadership, and each year, one or more staff members or volunteers are honored with a Best in Care Award.

Meet the 2024-25 award winners and finalists

MJ Hurley

MG Hurley, MT BC (winner)

  • Music Therapist I, Cardiology
  • Joined Boston Children’s in 2024

MG came to Boston Children’s to join a growing Music Therapy team and to support children and families “through some of the hardest moments” using the power of music. To MG, caring for the family is inseparable from caring for the patient.

"A patient’s family is their No. 1 support network,” they say. “We want them to feel heard, cared for, and empowered.”

MG supports parents singing to their newborn for the first time, welcomes siblings into sessions, and creates moments of connection through shared songs. They communicate “openly and authentically,” adapting to each family’s style, schedule, and needs. Even a brief check in can build trust. “Being a consistent and supportive presence in their Boston Children’s journey,” MG says, “is the most important part of my job.”

MG went above and beyond… learning songs from A’s playlist, making up silly tunes, and staying by his side during a difficult moment when others may have stepped away. Now, when we talk about returning for another surgery, one of the first things A asks is, ‘More music?’
MJ Hurley's nomination for Best in Care Award
Samantha Taylor

Samantha Taylor, RN, BSN (winner)

  • Acute Cardiac Care Unit (ACCU)
  • Joined Boston Children’s in 2023

For Samantha, coming to Boston Children’s was fulfilling a long held dream. Long before she put on her RN badge, she spent years working with children through babysitting, coaching, and teaching kids with developmental disabilities how to swim. “Through those experiences,” she shared, “I discovered how much I love working with not only the kids but their families. It taught me how important and meaningful it is to support and connect with them.”

In the ACCU, Samantha brings that philosophy to every family she meets. “Caring for a patient’s family is inseparable from caring for the patient,” she says. She begins by listening so she can understand their worries, what matters most in the moment, and how they like to communicate. “By taking the time to listen, communicate, and be fully present, families feel cared for and at ease.”

Her attention to detail, empathy, and willingness to go above and beyond made a lasting impact on our family. … Samantha’s care stands out as truly extraordinary. She made us feel cared for during such a vulnerable time.
Samantha Taylor's nomination for Best in Care Award
Marisol Hernandez

Marisol Hernandez (finalist)

  • Surgical Scheduler, Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement
  • Joined Boston Children’s in 2024

Marisol came to Boston Children’s after years in multiple corners of healthcare including intake, insurance, billing, and patient care as a CNA. But it was her experience as a parent navigating the Boston Children’s system that shaped her calling. “I wanted to provide families with care and calming interactions,” she said, “and affirm that they are seen, not just being pushed through a system.”

To Marisol, caring for a patient’s family is caring for the patient. She meets families in moments of vulnerability where they are feeling anxiety before surgery, fear about options, or relief at finally having a plan and takes the time to walk with them. “I really pride myself on engaging in a conversation that includes them,” she explains. “I never rush. I offer solutions, listen to their concerns, and help them feel a sense of control.”

She has gone above and beyond to make things as easy as possible for us. … She does her job well and with such grace. She is a superstar and we appreciate her help so much. ORL is lucky to have her!
Marisol Hernandez's nomination for Best in Care Award
Mario DeSousa

Mario DeSousa (finalist)

  • Clinical Assistant II, Radiology
  • Joined Boston Children’s in 2017

Mario was drawn to Boston Children’s for its exceptional family-centered care and its commitment to both innovation and humanity. Over the years, his experience as a parent has deepened his understanding of what families face here. As the father of a medically complex son who received care at Boston Children’s from birth, Mario says, “I know first-hand how overwhelming and emotional the hospital experience can be.” That insight sits at the heart of how he cares for every child and parent he meets with compassion, patience, and a deep belief that families deserve support for both their child and themselves.

He believes strongly in meeting families where they are emotionally, medically, and personally. Whether he’s comforting a nervous toddler before an MRI or sitting with worried parents, Mario centers compassion, presence, and dignity in every interaction. “Families should feel supported as a whole,” he says. “They deserve care for their child and for themselves.”

He is an amazing human. … He always remembers details about our lives as though no time has passed. When my son woke from anesthesia, the first thing he wanted wasn’t Mom or Dad — it was ‘my Mario.’
Mario DeSousa's nomination for Best in Care Award
Prasanna Ramachandran, MD, PhD

Prasanna Ramachandran, MD, PhD (finalist)

  • Attending Physician, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
  • Joined Boston Children’s in 2022

Dr. Ramachandran first arrived at Boston Children’s as a fellow and stayed because of the “outstanding clinical care, the breadth of research opportunities, and the teamwork that makes it all possible.” What guides him most is a commitment to treating complex problems “with both rigor and humanity.”

He begins each encounter by understanding the family’s concerns and goals and then builds “a plan that fits their reality.” Communication is central to his practice: calm, clear, transparent. “I try to explain the ‘why’ behind decisions,” he says. “And if I don’t know something, I say, ‘I don’t know, but here’s how I’ll figure it out.’” Families, he believes, should feel like partners.

He takes the time to know M as an individual, understand his background and tailoring his care to his unique circumstances. … He shows up with an amazing bright smile that, right away, makes you feel at ease. He validates my son’s feelings and gives him a sense of control. We are grateful for him.
Prasanna Ramachandran's nomination for Best in Care Award

In gratitude

To MG, Samantha, Marisol, Mario, Dr. Ramachandran, and all our 2024-25 Best in Care nominees: Thank you for showing what is possible when expertise is paired with empathy, and when caring for the patient means caring for the entire family.

And to our entire Boston Children’s community, clinicians, staff, and volunteers: Thank you for carrying forward this commitment every day. You make Boston Children’s not just a place of healing, but a place of humanity, connection, and hope.

Congratulations to the 2024–25 Best in Care Award nominees, finalists, and winners. Your work is extraordinary and deeply felt.