11 Specialties, New President: 5 Major Updates You Need To Know About Riley Children's Hospital In 2025
Riley Children's Hospital continues its legacy as a national leader in pediatric care, solidifying its status with top-tier rankings and ambitious future-focused initiatives as of late 2024 and early 2025. This deep-dive article provides the most current, essential updates on the institution, which serves as the only nationally ranked children’s hospital in Indiana. The hospital is not just maintaining its excellence; it is actively expanding its physical footprint and research capabilities to meet the growing needs of children across the state and beyond.
The coming year marks a period of significant transition and growth, highlighted by new leadership, massive capital projects like the Maternity and Newborn Tower, and a persistent dedication to medical breakthroughs in partnership with the IU School of Medicine. For families, donors, and healthcare professionals, understanding these recent developments is key to appreciating the hospital's pivotal role in modern pediatric healthcare.
Riley Children's Hospital Profile & Historical Milestones
Riley Children's Hospital, officially known as James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Hospital for Children, is a globally recognized institution that has been a cornerstone of Indiana's medical community for a century.
- Full Name: Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health (formerly James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Hospital for Children)
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Affiliation: Indiana University Health (IU Health) and Indiana University School of Medicine
- Namesake: James Whitcomb Riley (1849–1916), the beloved Hoosier Poet.
- Founding Vision: The idea for a children's hospital as a memorial to Riley was proposed in 1917, following the poet's death.
- Hospital Opening: Dedicated on October 7, 1924, and officially opened on November 19, 1924.
- Fundraising Arm: Riley Children's Foundation, established in 1921, supports the hospital, Camp Riley, and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home.
- Key Structure: Simon Family Tower, a major component of the downtown Indianapolis campus.
Unprecedented National Recognition: 2025–2026 U.S. News Rankings
The most recent and compelling update for Riley Children's Health is its continued, outstanding performance in national rankings. For the 2025–2026 Best Children's Hospitals rankings released by U.S. News & World Report, Riley has achieved a remarkable feat.
Ranked in 11 Out of 11 Pediatric Specialties
Riley Children's Health is once again the only children's hospital in Indiana to be nationally ranked, earning a spot in every single eligible pediatric specialty. This recognition underscores the comprehensive, high-quality care delivered across the entire spectrum of pediatric medicine, from the most common to the rarest conditions.
The 11 nationally ranked pediatric specialties include critical fields such as:
- Pediatric Cancer
- Cardiology and Heart Surgery
- Diabetes and Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology and GI Surgery
- Nephrology (Kidney)
- Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Orthopedics
- Pulmonology and Lung Surgery
- Urology
Achieving this level of recognition in all specialties is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the hospital's physicians, nurses, and researchers, many of whom hold appointments at the IU School of Medicine.
Major Strategic Updates and Capital Projects for 2025
The hospital is not resting on its laurels. Several significant, forward-looking projects and changes are underway, signaling a robust commitment to future-proofing pediatric care in Indiana.
1. New Leadership: David Biggerstaff Appointed President
A major organizational change is the appointment of David Biggerstaff as the new President of Riley Children's Health. Biggerstaff is set to begin his role in February 2025, bringing fresh leadership to guide the hospital through its next phase of expansion and clinical excellence. This leadership transition is crucial for managing the hospital's ambitious capital campaigns and research goals.
2. The $142 Million Maternity and Newborn Tower Expansion
One of the most transformative projects is the construction and preparation for the new Maternity and Newborn Tower. This project involves a substantial $142 million investment and the clearing out of four floors to centralize and significantly expand inpatient childbirth and newborn care. This new tower will consolidate services previously offered at multiple IU Health locations, creating a seamless, state-of-the-art environment for both mothers and the highest-risk newborns.
3. Launch of the Child Health Research Institute (CHRI)
A key priority for the Riley Children's Foundation is the establishment of a new Child Health Research Institute. The goal is to dramatically expand Riley’s nationally ranked research program by uniting top scientific minds. This initiative is designed to forge new discoveries that will lead directly to innovative treatments and medical breakthroughs for children worldwide. Riley Children's is already the only pediatric research hospital in Indiana, and the CHRI will amplify its impact on NIH-funded research and clinical trials.
4. Advances in Surgical Technology
Riley Children's continues to integrate cutting-edge technology into its practice, notably through the use of robotic-assisted surgeries. These minimally invasive advances allow surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision, leading to better outcomes, reduced recovery times, and less pain for young patients. The continuous investment in technology is a core aspect of their commitment to modern pediatric care.
5. Expansion of Regional Services
In addition to the downtown Indianapolis campus, Riley Children's Health services are expanding regionally. A significant expansion at IU Health Fishers, for example, added 50 inpatient beds, bringing the total to 88, and included a major expansion of Riley Children's services in that area. This strategy ensures that world-class pediatric specialty care is accessible to more families across Indiana, reducing the burden of travel for critical medical needs.
The Century of Care and Future Outlook
In recent years, Riley Hospital for Children was honored with a new Indiana state historical marker, commemorating its century of dedicated care. This historical recognition serves as a powerful backdrop to the hospital's modern advancements.
The combination of top-tier rankings, a new strategic leader in David Biggerstaff, massive infrastructure projects like the Maternity Tower, and the launch of the Child Health Research Institute positions Riley Children's Hospital for continued prominence. By focusing on both clinical excellence and groundbreaking research, Riley Children's Health is ensuring that the legacy of James Whitcomb Riley—a commitment to Indiana's children—will thrive for the next century.
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