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A History of Thought Leadership

The former physician-in-chiefs at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) established a foundation on which the hospital has become a world-leader in pediatric research and advanced care. From ground-breaking discoveries to community advocacy to spearheading the hospital’s relocation, these former CHOP leaders have led long and distinguished careers. Read on to learn more about their stories.

John Claxton Gittings, MD

Physician-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, 1924-1930 and 1933-1939

CHOP’s first named physician-in-chief, Dr. Gittings established a Department of Pediatrics in the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and developed an undergraduate medical education curriculum for pediatric medicine.

Joseph Stokes Jr., MD

Physician-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, 1939-1963

A fifth-generation physician, Dr. Stokes is credited with transforming CHOP into a world-leader in the field of pediatric research and medical education.

Alfred M. Bongiovanni, MD

Physician-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, 1963-1972

Dr. Bongiovanni was an accomplished pediatrician-scientist who advocated for racial equality as a critical aspect of child health.

Jean A. Cortner, MD

Physician-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, 1974-1986

Dr. Cortner served as CHOP’s inaugural leader upon the hospital’s relocation to the University City section of Philadelphia in 1974.

Elias Schwartz, MD

Physician-in Chief, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 1990-1996

Prior to his role as physician-in-chief, Dr. Schwartz served as Chief of the Division of Hematology and established a focus on hemoglobinopathies, with particular emphasis on sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

Alan R. Cohen, MD

Physician-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania, 2001-2013

In 2006, Dr. Cohen established the Master Clinician Award as his way of honoring CHOP pediatricians who provide superb care and exemplify collegiality, who take joy in their work and who go the “extra mile” for patients and families.

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