Marcy Doderer, president and CEO of Arkansas Children’s, told Arkansas business and health leaders that the pediatric health system’s growth since 2013 means more children can receive specialized care without leaving the state.
Expansion and access
Doderer said the system, which now treats patients at seven locations across Arkansas including Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale, has shifted from a Little Rock–centered operation to a statewide network. The system employs 5,982 workers, according to the profile published by Arkansas Business.
- Seven locations provide pediatric care across Arkansas, reducing the need for families to travel out of state.
- Workforce: Arkansas Children’s reported 5,982 employees.
- Leadership roles: Doderer will assume the board chair role at the Children’s Hospital Association in January, serving two years.
Challenges and strategy
Doderer described the major challenges facing health-system executives as financial pressures, workforce shortages and rapid technological change. She emphasized that planning must look beyond immediate needs to future service requirements.
“We have to expand access, embrace innovation, invest in research and develop the next generation of pediatric caregivers, all while delivering exceptional care every day,” said Marcy Doderer, president and CEO of Arkansas Children’s.
She said leadership includes a commitment to developing employees and building relationships to create trust that helps guide difficult decisions. Doderer described those experiences as formative in her own career and central to how she leads the hospital system.
Statewide role and community work
Beyond hospital operations, Doderer is active in community and advocacy roles, including serving on the board of trustees of the Children’s Hospital Association. Arkansas Business reported she will be board chair of that national association beginning in January for a two-year term.
The profile framed Arkansas Children’s recent growth as not only physical expansion of facilities but as an effort to keep more care within Arkansas for children and families.
What’s next: Doderer and Arkansas Children’s continue to focus on workforce development, research investment and expanding access, with leadership roles at the national level expected to influence the system’s strategic direction.
