Pediatrics Chair and Physician-in-Chief Role Assigned to Jill Halterman at Golisano Children's Hospital
In a significant move for Golisano Children's Hospital (GCH) and the wider Monroe County region, Jill Halterman has been appointed as the new chair of the department of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief of the hospital. The announcement, made in mid-2023, marks a new chapter in the hospital's journey towards becoming the premier children's hospital in upstate New York.
With over 20 years of experience working at GCH and the Rochester community, Halterman is well-acquainted with the unique needs of the region and is dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential. Her new role, pending approval by the Office of the Provost and the University of Rochester Board of Trustees, is set to begin on December 1, 2023.
Halterman's leadership tenure has already seen numerous achievements at GCH. As the interim chair since February 2023, she has led the division of General Pediatrics, which includes research, education, community programs, and the GCH Pediatric Practice. Her dedication to collaborative efforts with patients, families, and community groups has resulted in the development of new approaches that lead to more equitable care and better health.
One such program is the Preventive Care Program for Children with Asthma, a partnership with the Rochester City School District and School Health Program. Over 1,500 children have received care under this program, leading to improvements in symptoms, reduced absenteeism from school, and decreased asthma attacks.
Under Halterman's leadership, GCH's psychiatric and psychological training programs have also seen notable developments. The URMC Clinical Psychology Doctoral Internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship program, for instance, received the Program Excellence in Training Award from the Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology Training Council (CCaPPTC) in March 2025. This recognition highlighted the program's commitment to trainee-centered programming, with innovative training tracks such as Deaf Wellness and Lazos Fuertes, and seminars addressing structural racism and allyship.
Mark Taubman, MD, CEO of the medical center and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, considers Halterman the ideal candidate for the position. "Jill's understanding of the unique needs of the community and her dedication to helping every child reach their full potential make her suitable for the position," he said.
Halterman is honoured to have the opportunity to lead this impressive group. "I consider the department of Pediatrics and the GCH team to include professionals across disciplines who are incredibly dedicated to caring for children in the region," she said. "I am wholeheartedly dedicated to advancing GCH's standing as the premiere children's hospital in upstate New York and improving population health in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region."
As Halterman takes on her new role, she aims to continue to support and grow programs that benefit children, building on the culture of excellence and innovation already established at GCH.
In her new position, Jill Halterman seeks to combine her extensive experience in community health and pediatrics with the latest scientific advancements to enhance health-and-wellness programs at Golisano Children's Hospital, with the ultimate goal of improving population health in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region. Under her leadership, the department of Pediatrics at GCH will continue to collaborate with research institutions, community groups, and educational programs to develop innovative and equitable strategies that address unique regional needs and foster children's optimal development.
