Wendy Woods-Swafford
ChildServe is pleased to announce that Wendy Woods-Swafford, MD, MPH, will join the organization as its inaugural Chief Medical Officer, a newly established role that reflects ChildServe’s ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and exceptional pediatric care, on January 11, 2027. Dr. Woods-Swafford currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for UnityPoint Health - Des Moines and as a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Blank Children’s Hospital, where she provides inpatient and outpatient care.
As Iowa’s only pediatric specialty hospital, ChildServe provides coordinated, interdisciplinary care for children with disabilities, developmental delays, and complex medical and behavioral needs. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Woods-Swafford will join ChildServe’s executive leadership team and provide executive physician leadership for clinical quality, compliance and performance. She will partner with clinical teams to strengthen high-quality, evidence-based care across ChildServe’s continuum of specialized pediatric healthcare services while advancing ChildServe’s mission of helping children live a great life.
“Dr. Woods-Swafford brings a remarkable combination of clinical expertise, innovation, and deep compassion for children and families,” said Dr. Teri Wahlig, President and CEO of ChildServe. “Her experience caring for children with diverse healthcare needs, coupled with her proven leadership in quality, safety, program development, and physician engagement, makes her an exceptional addition to our executive team. We are thrilled to welcome her to ChildServe and look forward to the impact she will have on our organization, our clinical programs, and the children and families we serve.”
Since joining UnityPoint Health in 2008, Dr. Woods-Swafford has built an exemplary career as a pediatric specialist and physician leader. Her care has impacted thousands of children and families, and her leadership has expanded access to pediatric services while strengthening clinical initiatives and outcomes throughout UnityPoint Health and Blank Children’s Hospital. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and Des Moines University and contributes to research and nonprofit organizations aligned with pediatric care.
“ChildServe has long been recognized for its innovative approach to pediatric healthcare and its unwavering commitment to children and families,” said Dr. Woods-Swafford. “I am honored to join this extraordinary organization and work alongside dedicated team members who are making a meaningful difference every day. I look forward to supporting ChildServe’s continued growth, advancing clinical excellence and innovation, and expanding access to the specialized care and services children need to reach their full potential.
The appointment reflects ChildServe’s ongoing investment in clinical excellence and coordinated pediatric care. Dr. Woods-Swafford’s physician leadership will help strengthen quality, compliance and performance while advancing ChildServe’s ability to meet the evolving needs of children and families across Iowa.
For more information about ChildServe visit www.childserve.org.