UAB Hospital is now the 5th largest hospital in the U.S.

UAB Hospital is now the 5th largest hospital in the U.S., according to a survey by leading digital healthcare information platform Becker’s Hospital Review.

The flagship hospital of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System moved up three spots from last year’s national ranking. 

UAB is growing

UAB has been racking up multiple accolades this year. Last week, the hospital was named the best in Alabama by Newsweek and made the venerable magazine’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals for 2026 list. 

Contributing to the hospital’s growth last year was the addition of the new $156.7 million inpatient rehabilitation pavilion.

Presently, the UAB is also expanding its Emergency Department, spending $70+ million to add 59 exam rooms.

“Our dedicated and talented providers cared for more patients last year than ever before, and our strategic growth means that — this year and into the future — we will be able to serve even more patients with the world-class care we offer. Becoming the fifth-largest hospital in the country is meaningful because it means we touch more lives.”

UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella

In 2025, UAB Hospital cared for a record 929,021 unique patients.

“Earning a place among the nation’s largest five hospitals is a proud moment for UAB Hospital. It reflects the unwavering support of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and the outstanding leadership of UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella, as well as the caliber of our faculty and staff across UAB Medicine who are responsible for and share in this success.”

UAB President Ray Watts

Have you been a patient at UAB Hospital recently? Tell us what you think of the hospital’s recent growth and expansion on social media by tagging us in the comments at @bhamnow