Phoenix Children’s ECMO Program Achieves Prestigious Platinum Center of Excellence Award from ELSO

Phoenix Children’s Achieves Platinum Center of Excellence Status

On December 16, 2025, Phoenix Children's earned the distinguished Platinum Center of Excellence designation from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO). This award represents the highest level of recognition for facilities offering advanced life support, particularly extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. ECMO is a crucial treatment for critically ill children whose bodily functions are compromised and unable to sustain life independently.

Phoenix Children’s is the first and only hospital in Arizona to attain this prestigious status. With over 700 centers globally under ELSO, only 48 have reached this elite level, showcasing the exceptional quality of care provided at Phoenix Children's ECMO program. The program recently celebrated a significant milestone with the treatment of its 1,000th ECMO patient, highlighting the team's extensive expertise in managing fragile pediatric health cases.

Dr. Mark Molitor, the medical director of the ECMO program, stated, “Reaching 1,000 ECMO cases signifies the depth of specialization we have developed in caring for the most critically ill children. This Platinum recognition confirms our commitment to excellence and compassion.” The ECMO team consists of multidisciplinary members, including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and respiratory therapists, all trained in managing complex patient needs effectively.

To qualify for Platinum status, centers must exhibit extraordinary performance in three vital areas aligned with ELSO's mission: delivering patient care using top-quality and evidence-based practices, ensuring excellence in education and training, and promoting a supportive environment for families, patients, and staff. Phoenix Children's has a proven track record, having previously received Center of Excellence awards in 2009, 2011, and 2013, alongside Gold status in the years 2016, 2019, and 2022.

The recognition spans from 2026 to 2028, marking an ongoing commitment to elevating pediatric critical care standards. ECMO therapy acts as a lifeline for patients facing critical conditions such as severe respiratory failure or cardiac issues, necessitating continuous monitoring by a highly skilled team.

Phoenix Children's is among the nation’s leading pediatric health systems, encompassing several hospital campuses and clinics throughout Arizona. With more than 1,405 pediatric providers and specialists, the institution is dedicated to transforming pediatric care, education, and innovation for healthier communities. The journey of excellence continues as Phoenix Children's strives to bring hope and healing to families during life’s most challenging times.

In conclusion, the Platinum Center of Excellence designation signifies Phoenix Children’s dedication to providing top-tier ECMO care, emphasizing their expertise, compassion, and ongoing mission to improve pediatric health outcomes. This achievement not only reflects the hard work of a dedicated team but also the hope it instills in families facing difficult health battles.