Connecticut Children's Names Dr. Michael Isakoff Chief Medical Officer

Grand Rounds 2026 Honorary Chameides Lecture

Experienced physician leader to strengthen clinical quality, patient safety and coordinated care across the health system

HARTFORD, Conn. — [November 13, 2026] — Connecticut Children's has named Michael S. Isakoff, MD, its Chief Medical Officer (CMO), effective January 4, 2027. A respected pediatric oncologist and physician executive with extensive leadership experience at Connecticut Children's, Dr. Isakoff will help advance the health system's commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, coordinated care for children and families.

 

The appointment reflects Connecticut Children's continued focus on strengthening clinical leadership, improving operational performance, and ensuring that physicians and care teams have the support and coordination needed to deliver exceptional care.

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Isakoff will provide physician executive leadership for clinical quality and patient safety, medical staff performance and hospital medical operations. His responsibilities will include strengthening clinical standards, improving patient flow and capacity management, and helping ensure that clinical priorities translate into consistent, effective care delivery.

"At Connecticut Children's, everything we do begins with our responsibility to provide the safest, highest-quality care for children and families," said Shannon Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Connecticut Children's. "As healthcare organizations navigate increasingly complex clinical and operational challenges, strong physician leadership and clear accountability are essential. The Chief Medical Officer plays a critical role in bringing our clinical teams, quality priorities and hospital operations together so we can deliver the best possible care."

"Mike brings the experience, credibility and collaborative leadership needed for this important role," Sullivan continued. "He understands our organization from multiple perspectives – as a physician, division leader and medical staff leader – and has demonstrated a commitment to clinical excellence, teamwork and continuous improvement. I'm confident he will help us strengthen the way we care for children and support the people who care for them."

Dr. Isakoff previously served as Interim Physician-in-Chief at Connecticut Children's and Interim Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, roles he assumed in July 2025. He is the former President of the Connecticut Children's Medical Staff and has led the Division of Hematology/Oncology, helping expand its clinical programs, physician faculty, research and educational opportunities.
 

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I'm honored to take on this role and look forward to working across our organization to strengthen clinical quality and safety, improve coordination and remove barriers that can affect the delivery of care. Our success depends on listening to our teams, working together and keeping patients and families at the center of every decision.

Michael S. Isakoff, MD,
Connecticut Children's

Under his leadership, the division has grown from approximately 8,000 to 14,000 annual patient visits over the past decade, while expanding its attending physician faculty from seven to 13. His experience leading a growing clinical program while maintaining a focus on quality, productivity and team-based care provides a strong foundation for his new responsibilities.

Dr. Isakoff is also the Hartford Whalers' Endowed Chair for Children's Cancer and a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. His clinical and research work includes serving as a site principal investigator for the Children's Oncology Group, an international collaborative dedicated to improving outcomes for children and adolescents with cancer.

"Throughout my career at Connecticut Children's, I've had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary physicians, nurses and care teams who share a deep commitment to children and families," said Dr. Isakoff. "I'm honored to take on this role and look forward to working across our organization to strengthen clinical quality and safety, improve coordination and remove barriers that can affect the delivery of care. Our success depends on listening to our teams, working together and keeping patients and families at the center of every decision."

As he transitions into the role, Dr. Isakoff will step down as Division Head of Hematology/Oncology. Natalie Bezler, MD, will serve as interim Division Head while Connecticut Children's conducts a search for the division's next permanent leader. 

About Connecticut Children’s

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 30+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York, and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family’s wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children’s, you can expect care Beyond Imagination.

Connecticut Children’s is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve access to health care for all children.