Virtua Health has reached new heights in national recognition, climbing to the number 22 spot among the country’s top health care brands. According to the newly released 9th annual Humanizing Brand Experience report by brand consultancy Monigle, the South Jersey not-for-profit health system is now the highest-ranked health brand in New Jersey and the second highest in the Philadelphia market.
The comprehensive study, which evaluates 224 health care brands based entirely on consumer feedback and engagement, highlights a major year-over-year surge for Virtua. The system improved its standing across every major consumer category, including reputation, intent to use services, advocacy, and overall satisfaction.
Virtua’s climb into the top 25 reflects a shifting landscape in what patients value most from their medical providers.
“Today’s consumers have expectations beyond high-quality care. They want human connection,” Chrisie Scott, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Virtua said. “They want to feel seen, listened to, and supported throughout their health journey. Experiences rooted in empathy, access, responsiveness, and trust are what define modern health care.”
This year’s report featured a new partnership with The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare to specifically measure empathy and human connection. Driven by consumer perception of traits like sensitivity, active listening, and trustworthiness, Virtua secured the 8th spot nationwide for compassion.
Additionally, the study ranked Virtua among the top 10 most convenient brands and the 14th most trusted brand in the United States.
For a health system whose core philosophy is to be “Here for Good,” the national recognition serves as validation for its frontline staff and clinicians.
“Being recognized for compassion by the people we serve is deeply meaningful,” Dr. Jennifer Khelil, executive vice president and chief clinical officer for Virtua said. “This distinction is a reflection of our colleagues across Virtua, whose dedication, empathy, and genuine care are felt in thousands of moments every day.”
Monigle’s research framework utilizes a proprietary model that tracks how patients think, feel, and act in response to a health care brand, looking past isolated medical appointments to see how systems impact overall well-being.
David Middendorf, executive director of health, care, and wellness at Monigle, praised Virtua’s achievement, noting that the highest-ranked systems are those able to “go beyond episodic moments of care and be a leader in helping people live healthier lives, all while building trust and operating with compassion.”
