Stamford Health has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Gold Standard Top Hospital for 2026, placing it among the top 1% of hospitals nationwide. Only 38 hospitals earned this distinction, which represents the highest overall performers in the country.
“Recognition from Castle Connolly reflects the unwavering dedication of our physicians and interdisciplinary teams who deliver exceptional, person-centered care to our patients every day,” said Rod Acosta, MD, Chief Physician Executive at Stamford Health. “At Stamford Health, we are committed to earning the trust of the communities we serve by combining clinical excellence with compassion, respect, and an individualized approach to each patient’s experience. I’m incredibly proud of the difference we make in the lives of our patients and families.”
Stamford Health is a non-profit independent healthcare system with more than 4,100 employees, operating a 305-bed hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. The organization has earned multiple national recognitions, including Magnet Recognition® status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the third time since 2016, placing it among 10.5% of U.S. hospitals and one of only seven in Connecticut to receive this honor. Additionally, Stamford Health received a five-star Overall Hospital Quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and an “A” grade for safety from The Leapfrog Group.
The health system also achieved Planetree Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care for the fourth time since 2014, joining a select group of just 100 organizations worldwide. U.S. News & World Report recognized Stamford Hospital’s medical performance in 12 distinct areas, naming it the number one hospital in Fairfield County and number four in Connecticut.
Stamford Health evaluates and treats a comprehensive range of medical conditions across numerous specialties, including advanced orthopedic care via a collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery, complex cardiovascular and neurosurgical procedures with specialists from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and comprehensive oncological treatments through a partnership with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.
As a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Stamford Health supports the rigorous training of medical residents and fellows, integrating academic medicine with community-based care. The system’s medical staff includes numerous Castle Connolly Top Doctors who maintain active roles in clinical research and medical education.
Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list based on nominations open to all board-certified physicians. The Castle Connolly team selects honorees based on criteria including medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. Doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
