Daniel Ostlie Named New Surgeon in Chief at Cincinnati Children's Hospital
On January 28, 2025, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center announced the appointment of Dr. Daniel Ostlie as their new surgeon in chief and senior vice president, effective June 1. Dr. Ostlie will take the reins of the Department of Surgery, which comprises a dedicated workforce of nearly 1,100 employees, including over 110 surgeons. Each year, this department is tasked with conducting more than 40,000 operations, focusing on both saving and improving the lives of children across various surgical needs.
Dr. Ostlie, who will be part of the hospital's 11-member Executive Team, will report directly to Dr. Steve Davis, the president and CEO of Cincinnati Children's. Dr. Davis expressed confidence in Ostlie's abilities, stating, 'Dr. Ostlie is a highly regarded surgeon, physician leader, and researcher who brings years of experience to this important role at Cincinnati Children's.' This reassurance comes amidst a growing demand for pediatric surgical care, as increasingly more families seek the hospital's renowned services from not only the local region but across the country and internationally.
Taking over from Dr. Daniel von Allmen, who has held the position for over 15 years, Dr. Ostlie steps into big shoes. Dr. Davis acknowledged the immense contributions of Dr. von Allmen, especially during a period of remarkable growth at the hospital.
Having previously served as surgeon in chief and chairman of the Department of Surgery at Phoenix Children's Hospital since 2016, Ostlie is no stranger to leadership in pediatric surgical settings. 'I am honored to join Cincinnati Children's, a health system with such an incredible reputation nationwide. It is a privilege to be part of a team that is committed to enhancing child health, safety, and delivering world-class outcomes,' he remarked. His enthusiasm for this new role can be attributed to Cincinnati Children's commitment to excellence in pediatric healthcare.
Cincinnati Children's is recognized among the best pediatric health systems in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, including top rankings in cancer care, gastroenterology, and GI surgery, as well as pulmonology and lung surgery. This prestige heightens expectations as Dr. Ostlie prepares to lead the surgery department.
Dr. Ostlie's impressive qualifications and track record include overseeing various surgical divisions including General Surgery, Urology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, and more at Phoenix Children's. He is also a professor of child health and surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. His research interests span chest wall abnormalities, esophageal disorders, minimally invasive surgery, and neonatal surgery. These specialties are accompanied by a wealth of academic publications, with over 230 peer-reviewed journal articles and a number of influential book chapters to his name.
Before his tenure at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Ostlie spearheaded surgical initiatives at American Family Children's Hospital. His academic contributions to children's health have been impactful during his time at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, where he held multiple leadership positions over a decade.
Dr. Ostlie's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of North Dakota, followed by a medical degree in 1994. His rigorous training included a general surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic and multiple fellowships focusing on pediatric surgery and surgical critical care. Dr. Ostlie's comprehensive background equips him with the necessary tools to address the complex surgical needs of children and to continue the legacy of excellence at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
In light of this transition, the Cincinnati Children's community looks forward to the freshness and vision that Dr. Ostlie will bring as it continues to ascend the ranks of pediatric health systems nationwide. His leadership is poised to further enhance the hospital's commitment to improving child health, ensuring safe and effective surgical care for future generations.