Chicago, Illinois Nov 20, 2024 (Issuewire.com) - The Shine Hope Company is proud to announce that Edward M. Barksdale, Jr., MD, FACS, FAAP, one of its esteemed advisors, has officially assumed the role of Chief of Surgery for the Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance (CCHA) and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at The University of Chicago as of October 1, 2024. Dr. Barksdale, a distinguished pediatric surgeon with over 30 years of clinical and academic leadership experience, will now lead pediatric surgical care at The University of Chicago Medicine, NorthShore University Health System, Endeavor Health, and Advocate Children’s Hospital.
In his new role, Dr. Barksdale is committed to bringing high-quality pediatric care closer to communities across Chicagoland. “My goal is to ensure that every child has access to high-quality, pediatric subspecialty care close to home. I am eager to immerse myself in the vibrant and diverse communities of Chicagoland, to understand their unique needs, and to serve them with the utmost dedication and excellence,” said Dr. Barksdale.
Dr. Barksdale previously served as Surgeon-in-Chief at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital and as Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics Western Reserve University where he was honored with the Robert J. Izant Jr. Endowed Chair and was widely recognized for establishing impactful clinical programs for children with complex gastrointestinal conditions. Beyond his clinical role, Dr. Barksdale has led national organizations such as the American Pediatric Surgery Association, the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Black Academic Surgeons.
Working alongside Dr. Grace Mak, Chief of Pediatric General Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at Comer Children’s Hospital, Dr. Barksdale will help create innovative protocols and pathways to ensure consistent, high-quality care for children with a wide range of medical needs.
As an advisor to The Shine Hope Company, Dr. Barksdale has contributed to advancing the organization’s mission to address violence and mental health challenges through hope education. His work aligns with The Shine Hope Company’s commitment to using hope as a strategy to foster resilience, especially in communities affected by trauma, violence, and hardship.
“We are incredibly proud to see Dr. Barksdale take on this role, and the City of Chicago is lucky to have his leadership,” said Kathryn Goetzke, Chief Hope Officer of The Shine Hope Company. “He has been invaluable to hope science, keynoting George Washington’s Medical School Graduation with ‘Hope, the Fifth Vital Sign as Medicine’. He also played a key role in our work at the United Nations to advocate for an International Day of Hope. Chicago is so fortunate, as his leadership in improving children's health will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our great city.”
Dr. Barksdale’s new role at CCHA underscores the organization’s commitment to providing premier pediatric care throughout Chicagoland. Alongside his clinical responsibilities, he will continue his dedication to mentoring the next generation of pediatric surgeons, further strengthening CCHA’s legacy of innovation and excellence in pediatric surgery.
About The Shine Hope Company:
The Shine Hope Company’s mission is to empower all by teaching scientifically informed and evidence-based methods that cultivate hope. Through their educational resources, tools, and activations, they aim to inspire individuals to foster positive feelings and take inspired action, measuring their progress in nurturing and sustaining hope in their lives. Visit www.theshinehopecompany.com to find out more.
About The Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance (CCHA)
The Chicagoland Children's Health Alliance is a collaboration that unites pediatric surgical care across The University of Chicago Medicine, NorthShore University Health System, Endeavor Health, and Advocate Children's Hospital, providing comprehensive care to children across the region. Find out more at www.uchicagomedicine.org.
Media Contact
Avery Peel avery@theshinehopecompany.com 734-355-6716 Chicago, IL 60601 https://theshinehopecompany.com/
