Leadership
BC Children’s Hospital is led by a dedicated team of executives who have oversight for the day-to-day operations and clinical leadership of the hospital.
Our executive team
Sarah Bell, Chief Operating Officer
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Sarah Bell has been the chief operating officer of BC Children’s Hospital since 2019. Previously she held successive leadership roles across various program areas including pediatrics, mental health and professional practice.
Sarah completed her diploma in general nursing in 1994 and began her nursing career at St. Paul’s Hospital. She has a baccalaureate degree in English and classical studies from Western University, a masters degree in business administration from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia and a certificate in mental health law from the Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.
Sarah is a practising member of the BC College of Nursing Professionals and is a member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Currently, Sarah is the vice chair of the board of Children’s Healthcare Canada, serves on the board of the Active Aging Society as secretary, and is a member of the British Columbia Institute of Technology INSPIRE Campaign Cabinet.
Sarah is committed to making BC Children’s Hospital an inclusive, diverse and welcoming place to work, and is passionate about the implementation of trauma-informed care.
Dr. Caron Strahlendorf, Chief Medical Officer
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A graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Dr. Caron Strahlendorf has been an oncologist for 30 years. She treats patients with a wide range of oncological conditions, focusing on solid tumours and retinoblastoma. Her research interests include the role of hematopoietic stem cells in pediatric transplantation and medical bioethics.
Dr. Strahlendorf served as division head of the Division of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at BC Children’s Hospital, and clinical professor and deputy head of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia. Among her many leadership roles at BC Children’s Hospital, she is director of the Pediatric Apheresis Program and co-chair of the Research Ethics Board.
Dr. Strahlendorf is a strong advocate for professional development and mentorship, and physician wellness.
Ruth Appanah, Executive Director, Inter-Campus Operations
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Ruth Appanah is the executive director of inter-campus operations for BC Children's Hospital and BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre.
She began her career working in laboratories at the UK Medical Research Council and the Medical Genetics Department at the University of British Columbia. She has both master of science and master of business administration degrees.
Ruth is inspired by health-care workers and their commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients and families. She is a relationship builder and plans to bring her experience in research and health-care to inter-campus operations to enhance the hospital campus. Ruth believes in empowering staff and physicians to continue to elevate BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre as world-class facilities.