The Quality of a Career: Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Joann Sanders

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Joann Sanders, M.D., CHCQM, FAIHQ, has done more than practice medicine; she has defined the very standards of care we uphold today. As she prepares for her retirement on June 1, 2026, Dr. Sanders leaves behind a legacy built on the belief that for our patients, "good enough" never is.

Clinical Foundations

Dr. Sanders arrived at Cook Children’s in 1989, specializing in pediatric hematology and oncology. Her early years were marked by a drive to build programs that didn't yet exist. She was the driving force behind the original neuro-oncology clinic and was instrumental in evolving our care for bleeding disorders into the comprehensive program it is today.

Reflecting on her deep roots within the organization, Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Nedrelow, M.D., shared that her influence is woven into the history of our system.

"Quite literally, Dr. Sanders helped build Cook Children’s into what it is today," said Dr. Nedrelow. "Joann will always be an example of excellence for this system’s medical community.”

Defining the Standard

While her clinical contributions are vast, Dr. Sanders’ impact reached a new height when she transitioned into executive leadership to focus on the "quality" of every patient's journey. She dedicated 12 years as Patient Safety Officer followed by 11 years as Chief Quality Officer – roles that required a rare blend of medical expertise and an unwavering vision for safety.

Her commitment was so pronounced that she became the first-ever recipient of the Children’s Hospital Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) Top Performing Senior Leader Recognition Award.

Service Above Self

For Dr. Sanders, quality care never ended at the hospital exit. Her dedication to Camp Sanguinity, the Ronald McDonald House, and Camp John Marc – for which she received the Presidential Freedom Service Award – underscored a professional life rooted in the "time and care she gave to her patients and their families."

Beyond her clinical and administrative accolades, Dr. Sanders’ most personal devotion has been raising her daughter whom she adopted as a single mother. In a full-circle moment of service, her daughter is currently preparing to graduate from nursing school, carrying forward the family legacy of care.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As the June 1 retirement date approaches, the sentiment across the system is one of immense gratitude. While her daily presence and quick wit will be missed, the culture of safety and the high-quality frameworks she established will continue to guide us for years to come.

“I began my career at Cook Children’s on June 19, 1989, 3 weeks after ‘the new’ hospital opened. Little did I know that I would be here for the better part of the next four decades,” Dr. Sanders said. “It has been a joy to work among the physicians and staff here and to watch Cook Children’s grow into the hospital it is today. When I drive through our campus, I am filled with wonderful memories. What a ride it has been!”