Newsweek Ranks Barrow Among World’s Best for Neurosurgery, Neurology

For the sixth consecutive year, Newsweek has ranked Barrow Neurological Institute among the “World’s Best Specialized Hospitals” in the neurosciences.

Barrow has made the list every year that the media company has ranked hospitals in the neurosurgery category. For 2027, the Institute holds the No. 11 spot in the United States and the No. 18 spot in the world.

Barrow debuted in the neurology category in 2025 and has climbed the ranks each year since, starting at No. 39 nationally and now reaching No. 25.

This year’s list includes 125 hospitals in neurosurgery and 150 in neurology. The rankings culminate the results of a worldwide survey of medical professionals and hospital administrators, conducted in partnership with the global research firm Statista, as well as a review of accreditation data and certifications.

The Barrow Difference

“Barrow has long served as a national and global destination for complex neurosurgical cases,” said Barrow President, CEO, and Chair of Neurosurgery Michael T. Lawton, MD. “I’m proud to see our Department of Neurosurgery consistently ranked among the best in the world, reflecting our commitment to accepting challenges and pushing boundaries. It’s equally rewarding to see our Department of Neurology receive this well-deserved recognition for the excellent care they’ve always provided—now with an expanding faculty and at a higher volume, thanks to the recruitment of talented physicians under the leadership of Dr. Brad Racette.”

Barrow is one of the largest neuroscience centers in the nation. The Institute’s footprint includes the 430,000-square-foot Robert F. Spetzler Neuroscience Tower, the 122,000-square-foot Neuroplex, 12 dedicated state-of-the-art operating rooms, and two neuroendovascular suites. Each year, Barrow treats more than 75,000 patients and its surgeons perform more than 6,500 brain, spine, head, and neck surgeries.

Because of the Institute’s high volume of patients and world-renowned reputation, Barrow neurosurgeons have experience with even the rarest and most challenging neurosurgical conditions. In fact, patients travel across the globe to undergo neurosurgery at Barrow, often beginning with the Institute’s online Second Opinion Program.

Barrow is home to more neurologists than any other health care facility in Arizona, who underpin the Institute’s clinical centers and programs across 13 neurology subspecialties. These centers and programs include the largest neurocritical care service in the state and the largest comprehensive epilepsy center in the Southwest. The Barrow Epilepsy Center is at the forefront of the diagnosis and treatment of complex epilepsy, offering the largest epilepsy monitoring unit and the only clinically focused adult magnetoencephalography (MEG) in the region.

“We are honored to be named among the nation’s top 25 programs for neurology, a milestone that underscores our commitment to clinical excellence,” said Brad Racette, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurology. “In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we remain dedicated to providing comprehensive, innovative, and compassionate care across all neurological subspecialties.”