Jessica C. Shand

Dr. Jessica C. Shand serves as Associate Professor in both the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She provides pediatric primary care and hematologic consultation, and holds key leadership roles including Associate Director of the Resident Research Track, Bioethics Pathway Director, and Director of the URMC Clinician and Faculty Wellbeing Program. Her clinical expertise spans general pediatrics and pediatric hematology-oncology with a focus on ethical issues and health equity.

Her educational journey includes:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) from University at Buffalo (2006)
• Pediatrics Internship at University of Rochester Medical Center (2006-2007)
• Pediatrics Residency at University of Rochester Medical Center (2007-2009)
• Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Johns Hopkins University (2009-2012)

Dr. Shand's scholarly work centers on bioethics and health equity in hematology, particularly examining ethical dilemmas in blood management, therapeutic development, and stigma in sickle cell disease care. She also explores the role of spiritual care and chaplaincy collaboration in resolving ethical conflicts and advancing community health equity. Additionally, she leads institutional initiatives to improve clinician wellbeing through innovative team debriefs and technology optimization.

Her publication record demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary focus, bridging clinical hematology with bioethics and health services research. Recent articles address ethical frameworks for resource allocation, disparities in sickle cell disease management, and innovative models for integrating spiritual care into pediatric oncology. This body of work reflects her commitment to addressing systemic inequities and ethical challenges in pediatric healthcare.

Dr. Shand has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

• Alpha Omega Alpha Faculty Inductee (2016)
• AR Coalition Immuno Oncology Young Investigator Forum Second Place (2016)
• American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Award (2015)
• Honorable Mention, Fellows' Research Day (2012)
• American Society of Hematology Abstract Achievement Award (2012, 2011)
• Meg Colgan Award for Dedication to Underserved Children (2009)
• American Society of Hematology Trainee Research Award (2008-2009)
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Award (2008)
• Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Honor Society (2006)
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute Continuing Support Award (2004-2006)

As an educator, Dr. Shand mentors medical students and residents through the Resident Research Track and Bioethics Pathway. She co-directs the GCH Morbidity and Mortality Conference and develops anticoagulation best practices. Her leadership in the Clinician and Faculty Wellbeing Program focuses on interdisciplinary strategies to enhance professional wellness, including technology use optimization and structured team debriefs.

Dr. Shand's collaborative work spans multiple institutional initiatives, including quality improvement projects in pediatric hematology and bioethics curriculum development. Her leadership in the Clinician Wellbeing Program fosters a supportive environment for healthcare providers, directly impacting patient care quality and team resilience.