James_September-October_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 52
“City of Hope’s mission to expand access to
exceptional cancer care is truly aligned with
the work I have committed decades of my
career to advancing.”
“I’ve spent my career focused on one mission: ending cancer,” she says. “City of Hope
embodies that vision.”
A S T RO N G FO U N DAT I O N
Unlike most healthcare organizations
that provide dozens of medical specialties,
City of Hope has remained singularly focused on one disease. That exclusive commitment allows physicians, researchers
and clinicians to integrate groundbreaking
research, precision medicine, clinical trials,
treatment and survivorship care into a seamless patient experience.
“That level of singular commitment is rare in healthcare,” Childress says. “It allows us to bring together
research, treatment, survivorship and supportive care in
a way that is uniquely patient-centered.”
Although Childress has spent her career leading
organizational transformation, she is quick to point out
that her first responsibility in Atlanta is not to reinvent
City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, but to build upon
the strong foundation already established.
“My leadership philosophy was shaped by experiences across academic medicine, community-based
cancer care and consulting with cancer centers
nationwide,” she says. “Each environment taught me
something different about building high-performing
teams, navigating change and creating meaningful
impact for patients. Those experiences also reinforced an important leadership principle: “Leadership
is about building on strengths and creating the conditions for continued growth.”
She also notes one of the factors that attracted her
to City of Hope was the culture she found among its
physicians, nurses, researchers and staff. “I’ve been
impressed by the commitment of our physicians,
nurses, researchers and staff, and the genuine sense of
compassion they bring to patients every day.”
EXPANDING ACCE SS
If there is one issue Childress believes deserves
the greatest attention, it is access. For many Georgians— particularly those living outside metropolitan
Atlanta— specialized cancer treatment often requires
hours of travel. Childress believes geography should
never determine the quality of care a patient receives.
“Our vision isn’t simply to expand care in metropolitan areas,” she says. “It’s to ensure patients across
Georgia— regardless of ZIP code— have access to City
of Hope-level cancer expertise.”
That vision will require thoughtful growth, strategic partnerships and close collaboration with physicians and healthcare providers throughout the state,
she says. One example is the organization’s recently
opened City of Hope Paces Ferry outpatient cancer
center, designed to make specialized care more convenient for metro Atlanta patients while serving as part
of a broader statewide strategy.
CARING FOR T HE WHOLE PERSON
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JAMES SEPTE M B E R/O C TO BE R 2 0 2 6
While innovative therapies often receive the headlines, Childress believes exceptional cancer care is
equally defined by compassion.
