[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 202 (Wednesday, December 3, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S8476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. JAMES E. SHMERLING

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
celebrate the remarkable career of Dr. James E. Shmerling. Dr. 
Shmerling has dedicated nearly five decades to serving the needs of 
children, their families, and their communities across the Nation.
  Dr. Shmerling's career in children's hospitals began in the 
Children's Hospital of Alabama in 1979. Over the course of 8 years, he 
progressed in administrative responsibilities, eventually becoming 
associate administrator. During this time, he completed a master of 
science in hospital and health administration at the University of 
Alabama in 1980. Extraordinarily accomplished in the world of academia, 
Dr. Shmerling also earned a master of business administration from 
Samford University in 1984 and a doctorate of health administration 
from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1999.
  Dr. Shmerling has set a gold standard for hospital leadership and 
administration across the Nation. He has held key leadership positions 
at children's hospitals, including the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital 
for Children at Indiana University, the Le Bonheur Children's Medical 
Center in Memphis, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at 
Vanderbilt University, and the Children's Hospital Colorado. In each 
position, he brought a high level of expertise, dedication to his 
patients, and genuine devotion to advancing children's health.
  Dr. Shmerling first came to Connecticut when he was appointed as 
president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Children's on 
November 2, 2015. He has led the organization through a period of 
extraordinary growth and innovation, upholding an unwavering commitment 
to improving children's healthcare across the State and region. A 
visionary leader, he was responsible for leading Connecticut Children's 
transformation from a standalone medical center to a leading pediatric 
health system spanning three States, spearheading the largest expansion 
in the health system's history with the construction of a new eight-
story clinical tower, expanding the neonatal care network, and 
increasing access to specialized pediatric care.
  Dr. Shmerling has also served in many other leadership roles on 
national boards and committees related to children's health, including 
the Children's Hospital Association and the American Hospital 
Association's Maternal and Child Health Council. He has been widely 
recognized by his peers, including as a fellow in the American College 
of Health Care Executives. Dr. Shmerling has also championed other 
worthwhile causes throughout his career, notably promoting childhood 
literacy. In Connecticut, he has served as a member of the Hartford 
Board of Education and is currently a board member of United Way of 
Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
  Dr. Shmerling's contributions to the cause of children's healthcare 
have been historic. Connecticut Children's and the health and well-
being of our State's children are stronger than ever thanks to Dr. 
Shmerling's leadership. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
recognizing and celebrating the remarkable career and work of Dr. James 
E. Shmerling.

                          ____________________