Annual Report 2023-2024

harnessing the Power of Women Shriners Children’s takes pride in prevalence of women in key leadership positions

At Shriners Children’s, women are at the center of many programs that provide life-changing care to children around the world. “We are very proud of our long tradition of women serving in leadership roles,” said Chief Medical Officer Frances A. Farley, M.D. “Not only do we recruit female leaders who bring valuable expertise to our organization, but we foster a culture that allows women to elevate to top leadership positions from within Shriners Children’s. Collectively, our female leaders are at the forefront of advancing our mission.” Not only do women serve as chiefs of staff, hospital administrators and clinic directors, but female leaders are shaping every facet of our healthcare system. In fact, in addition to Dr. Farley, several of our chief executives are women. Kathy A. Dean, vice president of human resources; Sharon L. Russell, CPA, vice president of finance; Beverly Bokovitz, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, chief nursing officer; and Laurie A. Spieler, JD, vice president of legal, are all members of the Shriners Children’s executive team. From philanthropy to business development to operations and clinical care, our female leaders are driving advancements in support of our mission. And we’re putting the spotlight on just a few of the exceptional women making an impact. Female physicians play a vital role in patient care, medical research and clinical innovation. And the women who serve as administrative directors at our hospitals and clinics are channeling the power of our teams to drive success. Female leaders inspire and cultivate our entire workforce, serve as role models for our patients, and pave the way for the next generation. Michelle James, M.D. , joined Shriners Children’s Northern California in 1991, and plans to retire at the end of 2025. Dr. James became the nation’s first full-time pediatric hand surgeon and established Northern California’s hand and upper extremity program. In 2006, she was named

chief of staff for orthopedic surgery. Under her leadership, service in Northern California grew from six to 12 orthopedic surgeons, eight of whom are women. Dr. James is responsible for many firsts in her field, and her efforts have truly transformed the care of pediatric hand conditions in the United States and internationally. She also started the first Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy Clinic in the United States. A skilled surgeon and mentor, Dr. James continues to inspire the next generation of

physicians at Shriners Children’s. Sara M. Higginson, M.D. , is one of the newer women in leadership at Shriners Children’s. A former high school science teacher, EMS helicopter pilot and U.S. Navy officer, she was inspired to become a

physician after watching a burn surgeon in action. Dr. Higginson served as director of a burn center in California before coming on board as chief of staff at Shriners Children’s Ohio in late 2023. As a leader, Dr. Higginson strives to be a role model for younger female physicians. “Find a balance where you have a full and complete life, and you pursue all the things that are important to you, including having children, if that is your wish” she advises. Dr. Higginson reflects that the culture of medicine is changing, with more female surgeons in the field. “We are identifying some of the shortcomings of the previous era, and are now allowing female physicians to be their best selves in all facets of their life. I think it allows you to be the very best surgeon you can be,” she said. With her passion and talent, Dr. Higginson brings her best to lead Shriners Children’s Ohio into its next chapter of caring for children.

30