Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) stands as a premier non-profit, academic pediatric medical center, consistently recognized for its excellence in clinical care, groundbreaking research, and world-class medical education. Located in the heart of East Hollywood, CHLA has served as a beacon of hope for families across Southern California and beyond since its founding in 1901. As the first pediatric hospital in the region, it has evolved into a global leader, managing more than half a million patient visits annually and maintaining its status as a top-tier facility in national rankings.

A Legacy of Clinical Excellence and National Rankings

When discussing pediatric healthcare in the United States, Children's Hospital Los Angeles is frequently at the center of the conversation. For years, the institution has been a permanent fixture on the U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals Honor Roll.

In the 2024-2025 rankings, CHLA achieved significant milestones, securing its position as the number one children's hospital in both California and the entire Pacific region. Nationally, it is consistently ranked among the top 10 pediatric hospitals, a distinction that reflects its high performance across a wide array of medical specialties.

Ranked Specialties and Specialized Care

CHLA’s excellence is not limited to a single department; rather, it spans the entire spectrum of pediatric medicine. The hospital is nationally ranked in all 11 pediatric specialties evaluated by U.S. News & World Report, including:

  • Neonatology: Providing the highest level of care (Level IV) for the most fragile newborns.
  • Pediatric Cardiology and Heart Surgery: Leading the way in complex congenital heart repairs.
  • Pediatric Cancer: Home to one of the largest pediatric hematology-oncology programs in the country.
  • Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology: Innovating in the management of Type 1 diabetes and growth disorders.
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery: Specializing in liver transplants and complex digestive disorders.
  • Pediatric Neurology & Neurosurgery: Treating epilepsy, brain tumors, and neurodevelopmental conditions with precision.
  • Pediatric Orthopedics: Known for advanced scoliosis surgery and sports medicine for young athletes.

This comprehensive expertise ensures that children with multi-systemic conditions can receive integrated care under one roof, involving multidisciplinary teams that collaborate on every case.

Technological Innovation in Pediatric Treatment

A key factor that sets Children's Hospital Los Angeles apart is its commitment to adopting and developing cutting-edge medical technology. The fiscal year 2024 saw several significant advancements that have directly improved patient outcomes.

The Carpe Diem Dialysis System

One of the most notable recent additions to CHLA’s clinical toolkit is the Carpe Diem (Cardio-Renal Pediatric Dialysis) machine. Traditional dialysis machines are often designed for adults or larger children, making them risky or difficult to use on small infants. The Carpe Diem system is specifically engineered for babies weighing between 5 and 10 pounds who suffer from acute kidney injury or failure.

By providing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with materials specifically sized for infants—including specialized tubing and filters—CHLA can now safely filter waste products and excess fluid from a baby's bloodstream. In 2024 alone, the hospital utilized this therapy for 11 infants, totaling over 200 treatment days, offering a life-saving bridge for the smallest patients.

Next-Generation Interventional Radiology

CHLA recently opened a state-of-the-art interventional radiology (IR) suite, featuring equipment that is currently unique in the pediatric hospital landscape. Interventional radiology allows doctors to perform minimally invasive procedures using image guidance, which can often replace the need for traditional open surgery.

The new suite is the first in a children's hospital to feature a machine that combines fluoroscopy and CT scanning capabilities. This integration allows clinicians to identify subtle findings that would otherwise be difficult to visualize. For the patient, this means faster procedures, less time under anesthesia, and significantly reduced radiation exposure—a critical consideration in pediatric care.

The Saban Research Institute: Driving Medical Breakthroughs

Beyond clinical care, Children's Hospital Los Angeles is a powerhouse in pediatric research. The Saban Research Institute (TSRI) is one of the largest and most productive research centers in the Western United States. With more than $167.9 million in total research funding in 2024, including over $51 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), TSRI is at the forefront of discovering new treatments and cures.

Liquid Biopsy for Retinoblastoma

A major breakthrough emerging from CHLA involves the treatment of retinoblastoma, an aggressive eye cancer in children. Historically, this cancer could not be biopsied using traditional methods because of the risk of spreading cancer cells outside the eye.

Dr. Jesse Berry, Chief of Ophthalmology at CHLA, developed a revolutionary "liquid biopsy" technique that samples the aqueous humor—the fluid at the front of the eye. This allows for genetic and chromosomal analysis of the tumor without an invasive needle biopsy of the tumor itself. This research has gained such national significance that the National Cancer Institute awarded a $2.8 million grant to lead an international study on the technique, with CHLA serving as the central processing hub.

Clinical Trials and Translational Research

With 597 active clinical trials, CHLA provides patients with access to therapies that are not yet available at other hospitals. This translational approach ensures that discoveries made in the laboratory are moved as quickly and safely as possible to the patient's bedside. Research areas focus heavily on:

  • Genomic medicine and personalized cancer therapies.
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and brain plasticity.
  • Obesity and metabolic diseases.
  • Congenital heart disease and regenerative medicine.

Academic Excellence and the USC Partnership

Since 1932, Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been academically affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). This partnership is vital to the hospital's mission of preparing the next generation of pediatric experts.

Medical Education and Residency Programs

CHLA hosts one of the largest graduate medical education programs for pediatricians in the country. The residency program is highly competitive and boasts an exceptional success rate; for nearly two decades, approximately 96% of graduates have passed the American Board of Pediatrics exam on their first attempt, far exceeding the national average.

The presence of over 1,000 medical staff members, many of whom hold faculty appointments at USC, ensures that the care provided is informed by the latest academic research and clinical best practices.

The Pediatric Pathway Program

To address the national nursing shortage and improve the transition from academia to clinical practice, CHLA launched the Pediatric Pathway Program. In partnership with Mount Saint Mary’s University, this program recruits nursing students and immerses them in a custom-built clinical practicum. This initiative allows future nurses to gain hands-on experience in a pediatric setting earlier in their education, ensuring they are better prepared to deliver high-quality care upon graduation.

Comprehensive Care Infrastructure and Locations

While the main campus on Sunset Boulevard remains the primary hub for specialized care, CHLA has expanded its reach to ensure that families across Southern California have access to its experts.

Main Campus Facilities

The main campus features 386 active beds and a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, the only freestanding facility of its kind in Los Angeles County. The iconic Sunset Bridge, which connects the north and south sides of the campus, serves as a landmark of the East Hollywood skyline and a symbol of the hospital's integration into the community.

Outpatient Specialty Centers

Recognizing that traveling to Hollywood can be challenging for families in the suburbs, CHLA operates several outpatient specialty centers. These locations offer access to the same world-class pediatric specialists found at the main hospital:

  • Arcadia: Serving the San Gabriel Valley.
  • Bakersfield: Offering cardiology, GI, and urology services in Kern County.
  • Encino: Providing care in the San Fernando Valley.
  • Santa Monica: Serving the Westside of Los Angeles.
  • South Bay (Torrance): Convenient for families in the coastal regions.
  • Valencia: Serving the Santa Clarita Valley.

These centers ensure that follow-up care, diagnostic tests, and consultations can happen closer to home, reducing the stress on patients and their families.

Family-Centered Care and Patient Support

A hospital stay can be a traumatic experience for a child. CHLA addresses this through a robust family-centered care model that emphasizes emotional and mental well-being alongside physical health.

Holistic Programs

The hospital is a Magnet-designated facility, a prestigious recognition for nursing excellence held by only a small percentage of hospitals in the U.S. This excellence extends to various therapeutic programs:

  • The Mark Taper/Johnny Mercer Artists Program: Uses art, music, and dance to help children express their feelings and cope with the stress of illness.
  • Child Life Specialists: Professionals who help children understand their medical procedures through age-appropriate play and communication.
  • Inclusivity: CHLA maintains a strict policy of providing care to children regardless of their family's socioeconomic status or insurance coverage.

Navigating Challenges: Recent Policy and Community Developments

Like all major healthcare institutions, Children's Hospital Los Angeles operates within a complex social and political landscape. In early 2025, the hospital faced challenges regarding its gender-affirming care policies.

Gender-Affirming Care Policies

Following federal executive orders in February 2025, CHLA temporarily halted certain hormone therapies for transgender patients under the age of 19. This move led to community protests and an inquiry from the California Attorney General’s office, emphasizing the hospital's obligations under state anti-discrimination laws. By late February, the hospital reversed its decision on hormone therapy, though it opted not to resume gender-affirming surgeries for minors.

In June 2025, citing financial and federal pressures, the hospital announced the closure of its Center for Transyouth Health and Development. These events highlight the ongoing tension between local healthcare mandates and shifting federal policies, as well as CHLA's commitment to navigating these complexities while maintaining its primary focus on pediatric health.

Community Impact Initiatives

CHLA’s impact extends beyond the hospital walls. In 2024, the hospital contributed $489 million in total community impact. This includes:

  • Substance Use Prevention: The "Collective of Youth Leaders" program educates hundreds of high school students on opioid overdose prevention and mental health.
  • Health Equity: Programs designed to address the social determinants of health in underserved neighborhoods in Central and South Los Angeles.

Summary of CHLA’s Role in Modern Medicine

Children's Hospital Los Angeles is more than just a medical facility; it is a vital engine of innovation and a cornerstone of the Southern California community. By combining top-tier clinical rankings with a massive research infrastructure and a deep commitment to the next generation of medical professionals, it continues to set the standard for pediatric care.

Whether it is developing the world’s smallest dialysis components, pioneering liquid biopsies for eye cancer, or advocating for youth leadership in substance abuse prevention, CHLA remains dedicated to its mission: creating hope and building healthier futures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Children's Hospital Los Angeles part of UCLA or USC?

CHLA is academically affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). While it is an independent, non-profit hospital, its physician leaders hold faculty positions at USC. It is distinct from the UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital.

What age groups does CHLA treat?

The hospital typically treats infants, children, teens, and young adults from birth up to age 21. In certain cases involving specialized pediatric conditions, they may also treat older adults.

Does CHLA accept all insurance plans?

CHLA accepts most major insurance plans, including Medi-Cal. One of the hospital's core values is that it does not turn away patients based on their insurance status or ability to pay.

Where is the main campus located?

The main campus is located at 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Vermont Avenue in East Hollywood.

How can I schedule an appointment at a specialty center?

Appointments can be made through the CHLA official website or by calling their central scheduling line. They have centers in Arcadia, Encino, Santa Monica, South Bay, and Valencia to provide care closer to local neighborhoods.

Is CHLA a Level 1 Trauma Center?

Yes, CHLA is the only freestanding Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in Los Angeles County, meaning it has the highest level of resources and expertise to handle the most severe pediatric emergencies.

What is the Saban Research Institute?

The Saban Research Institute is the research arm of CHLA. it is one of the few places in the world where scientific research is combined with a major children's hospital to turn laboratory discoveries into clinical treatments for childhood diseases.