UNC Health landed on the inaugural list of “America’s Most Innovative Companies” from FORTUNE Media this past week, being named one of the top entities that’s made an impact within its field of work.

Published this past week, FORTUNE named the statewide hospital and clinic system among 300 companies like Alphabet, IBM, and Apple, who it describes as “transforming industries from the inside out.” The publication said it conducted a survey among “innovation experts, HR executives, and employees” to whittle down from 10,000 eligible companies. Weighed heavily in its consideration were product innovation, process innovation and innovation culture, according to a release from UNC Health about the recognition.

The North Carolina health care system pointed to its hospital at home program, expanded digital services through the UNC Health app, and investment in telepsychiatry consults to connect rural hospitals to psychiatric experts in Chapel Hill as examples of work that earned FORTUNE’s favor.

“Well known for innovation propelled by its groundbreaking research and discovery stemming from its rich heritage as a distinguished academic medical center, UNC Health also leverages its culture of innovation to transform care delivery and improve the health of North Carolinians through adoption of new technologies and solutions,” said Carol Lewis, vice president of UNC Health Enterprises, in a release. “UNC Health teammates work hard to find and promote innovations that enhance patient care and experience, improve access, reduce health disparities and increase operational efficiency.”

Additionally, the publication Becker’s Hospital Review recently praised UNC Health — crediting the healthcare system as one of the “Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare.” The list was compiled, according to Becker’s Healthcare, based on how the employers invested in employees’ professional development, gave wellness benefits, promoted diversity, boosted employee engagement and more.

Here is Becker’s Hospital Review’s reasoning for including UNC Health:

“UNC Health’s system-wide team includes more than 40,000 employees. The health system invests in promotions from within, offering personnel access to the learning and organizational development department and the Center for Leadership Excellence, which provides programs for professional leadership development. UNC Health fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a goal to increase diversity in leadership and support employee resource groups. Forbes named it as a part of its best large employers list for 2023.”

The pair of recognitions come after three hospitals within UNC Health earned spots in Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals 2023” rankings. The list, published in March, had UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, UNC Health Rex in Raleigh, and UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield among the top 100 hospitals in the United States.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
UNC Hospitals Recognized for Best Maternity Care
UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill was one of six UNC Health facilities across the state to be recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care. The list named all six UNC Health hospitals as “high performing,” which is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of […]
Lifelong Tar Heel Dr. Cristy Page Selected as Next CEO of UNC Health
The University of North Carolina is turning to a familiar face to lead its health care system and School of Medicine at the flagship university. Dr. Cristy Page was named the chief executive officer of UNC Health on Thursday, as well as the dean of the UNC School of Medicine and vice chancellor for medical […]
UNC Hospitals Receives Top National Ratings for Quality and Safety
UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill was one of three hospitals affiliated with UNC Health to receive top five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which measures both quality and safety for consumers. Only 290 hospitals across the country earned five-star ratings from CMS, eight of which are in North Carolina. UNC […]
U.S. News & World Report Ranks UNC Hospitals No. 2 in North Carolina
The latest “Best Hospitals” list from U.S. News & World Report ranked UNC Hospitals as the No. 2 hospital in the state of North Carolina. Four specialties within the hospitals received national rankings as well: Cancer – No. 48 Ear, Noes & Throat – No. 44 Urology – No. 31 Rehabilitation – No. 46 Five […]
UNC Hospitals, UNC Health Rex Named to 'Best Maternity Hospitals' List for 2025
In Newsweek's America's Best Maternity Hospitals rankings, UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and UNC Health Rex in Raleigh placed in the top tier.
Comprehensive Down Syndrome Clinic Opens at UNC Hospitals to Help Optimize Patient Care
Friday marks the opening of UNC Health's Down syndrome clinic in Chapel Hill, which will provide holistic and specialized care to patients.
UNC Medical Center Named One of Newsweek's 'World's Best Hospitals' for 2025
Newsweek has named the UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill to its list of the World’s Best Hospitals for 2025. The list includes more than 2,400 hospitals in 30 countries. Of that group, 13 are located in North Carolina. Two other UNC Health hospitals also made the list: UNC Health Rex in Raleigh and UNC […]
Innovative UNC Hospital Program Uses Students To Fill Health Care Gaps
The course Biology 119, Experiencing Health Professions, trains UNC undergraduate students to serve as sitters for hospital patients.
UNC Hospitals Begins Visitor Restrictions Based on Rise of Respiratory Illnesses
The UNC Hospitals campuses in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough began visitor restrictions on Monday as respiratory illnesses tick up.
New UNC Health Surgical Tower Completes First Operations, Officially Opens
The North Carolina Surgical Tower, which is part of the UNC Health system, saw its first surgeries in the building performed on Monday.
›