SARASOTA, Fla. (Dec. 29, 2025) – As Sarasota Memorial Health Care System caps off a momentous centennial year, the community-owned health system is pleased to announce it has been ranked among 100 “Great Hospitals in America” for 2025.
The national recognition from Becker’s Hospital Review this month spotlights 100 standout hospitals that demonstrated exceptional clinical performance, an unwavering focus on patient safety, and an ongoing commitment to research, education and innovation in 2025.
Becker’s noted that hospitals on the top 100 list have been recognized for sustained quality and safety by multiple, independent rating organizations, including the Leapfrog Group, U.S News & World Report, and federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). SMH-Sarasota has been the only hospital in Florida – and one of just 17 nationwide – to receive CMS’ highest five-star rating for overall quality every year since the star program began a decade ago. It repeatedly ranks among U.S. News’ “Best Hospitals” and has also earned straight A’s from Leapfrog for patient safety since 2016.
As 2025 comes to a close this week, Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder shared a message of gratitude with team members, thanking physicians and staff for a momentous year and previewing important initiatives unfolding in 2026.
“These honors are a powerful affirmation of your hard work and expertise and a great way to close out SMH’s centennial year,” Verinder said. “As we look forward to 2026, we have much to be excited about, with the spring opening of our new Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion at SMH-Sarasota and start of vertical construction at SMH-North Port. This year, we also are completing the transition of our existing electronic health record system to the new, patient-centered Epic platform and plans for a new, inpatient rehab pavilion at SMH-Venice.
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (smh.com)
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 2 million patient visits a year across its network of care. Sarasota County’s largest employer, the community-owned health system includes two full-service hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, freestanding ERs in North Port and Lakewood Ranch, a rehabilitation hospital, behavioral health hospital, skilled nursing facility and comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and physician practices. Founded in 1925, SMH celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2025 and has commemorated its storied history on smh.com/100.