Children’s Minnesota Announces Leadership Changes Following the Planned Retirement of VP of Specialty Pediatrics

MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Children’s Minnesota is pleased to announce several key leadership changes following the planned retirement of Susan Sencer, MD, clinical vice president of specialty pediatrics. Dr. Sencer leaves behind a legacy of more than 35 years of clinical care and leadership that has contributed to advancements in patient care, research and innovation.

Effective May 9, 2025, the following leadership changes will be implemented:

• Aimee Sznewajs, MD, will assume the role of clinical vice president of specialty pediatrics, leading a broad portfolio of specialty services that will include the emergency departments, hospital medicine, cancer and blood disorders, medical imaging, and lab/pathology provider groups.
• Tim Lander, MD, clinical vice president of surgery, will assume responsibility of critical care services. Pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care, cardiovascular services and neurosciences will report to Dr. Lander in addition to his current portfolio of surgical specialties.
• Anupam Kharbanda, MD, formerly the clinical vice president of critical care services, will assume a new role as the vice president of clinical innovation and transformation. He will work closely with teams in strategy, growth and finance to advance partnerships, care delivery innovation and develop new models of care.

“Susan has touched countless lives as an oncologist, mentor, leader and friend to so many at Children’s Minnesota and in the community,” said Emily Chapman, MD, chief medical officer of Children’s Minnesota. “As we bid her farewell and congratulations, we’re excited for what’s to come. As the leading pediatric provider in our state for more than a century, Children’s Minnesota will continue to build on our legacy of excellence and innovation. I’m confident that our new leadership structure will bring fresh ideas and approaches to advance our mission to champion the health needs of all children and families.”

Dr. Sencer joined the cancer and blood disorders program at Children’s Minnesota in 1991 and served as the program’s medical director from 2001 to 2016. Her interest in supportive care for children with cancer led her to help found the integrative medicine program at Children’s Minnesota. She also played an instrumental role in starting the pain and palliative care program and has been an advocate for a multitude of specialty programs.

“It has been my great privilege to dedicate my career to the kids and families we serve at Children's Minnesota. I'm deeply grateful to the patients that have allowed me to accompany them on their journey. Their courage and resilience have enriched my life and taught me countless lessons that I cherish,” said Dr. Sencer. “I'm also thankful for my colleagues at Children’s Minnesota, whose intelligence, compassion and humor inspired me throughout my career.”

The new leadership structure aims to support the health system’s 2025-2027 strategic plan, elevating Children's Minnesota as the premier provider of specialized pediatric health care in the region by:

• Optimizing current clinical capacity and capability through continuous improvement and operational efficiencies.
• Innovating care delivery models to drive value.
• Leveraging partnerships to expand our reach.
• Focusing on technology, research and innovation to position the organization as the premier provider of future medical therapies.

Gigi Chawla, MD, also recently took on added responsibility as vice president of professional staff affairs. This is in addition to her long-standing role as clinical vice president of general pediatrics.

About Children’s Minnesota

Children’s Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only one in Minnesota devoted exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system for more than 100 years, Children’s Minnesota offers more than 60 pediatric specialties through its two hospitals, multiple specialty centers and clinics throughout the metro area. The Kid Experts^® at Children’s Minnesota are chosen by more families than any other pediatric health system in the region.

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