Commitment to Caring

Celebrating 80 Years of Humankindness

The world has changed considerably since we first opened our doors eight decades ago. But as we look back across our rich heritage and to the bright days ahead, one thing remains the same: our commitment to caring for those in need with compassion and advanced medical expertise.

In honor of eight decades of caring, Dominican Hospital hosted a virtual event on September 14, with special remarks by Lloyd H. Dean, Chief Executive Officer, CommonSpirit Health and Todd Strumwasser, MD, President, Northern California Division, CommonSpirit Health.

Nanette Mickiewicz, MD, President/ CEO of Dominican Hospital convened the virtual event and shared “While this message is being delivered in challenging times, overcoming obstacles and persevering is nothing new for those associated with Dominican Hospital. Occasional tough times, of course, gave way to many joyous, life-affirming events as well; over 80 years, the vast majority of them have surrounded the idea of commitment to community.”

“As we reflect, I cannot help but think about what happened here in Santa Cruz 80 years ago, the day four Sisters came from Adrian, Michigan,” says Sister Adrienne Piennette, OP, one of the 96 Sisters who have served Dominican, “Beginning with an 18-bed hospital on East Cliff, Dominican has grown to 222-beds and is recognized for the many new and exciting ways in which to administer health care to the community.”

And while the world has seen almost unimaginable change since 1941, at least one thing has steadfastly endured: our commitment to provide specialized medical care, delivered with compassion. Innovations in diagnosis and treatment continue, and we will continue to honor the mission of healing—not only the body, but also the whole person.

“As we reflect, I cannot help but think about what happened here in Santa Cruz 80 years ago, the day four Sisters came from Adrian, Michigan. Beginning with an 18-bed hospital on East Cliff, Dominican has grown to 222-beds and is recognized for the many new and exciting ways in which to administer health care to the

community.” —Sister Adrienne Piennette, OP

Header image left to right: Sister Judy Silva, OP, Sister Adrienne Piennette, OP, Volunteer Services and Mission Integration, Sister Mary Ellen Leciejewski, OP, Vice President, Environmental Sustainability, CommonSpirit Health, Sister Rita Eileen Dean, OP, Vice President, Mission Integration, Jeanette Engle-Ramirez, MRA, OTR, Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Isaac Chankai, MD, Chief of Staff, Susan MacMillan, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, Dr. Greg Whitley, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz, MD, President/ CEO, Andres Veliz, IT Director, and Rory McFadden.

View the celebratory virtual event held by the Adrian Dominican Sisters and Dignity Health – Dominican Hospital at https://youtu.be/Q7vl0oQ1iJU. This historical tribute and prayer service honors 80 years of fulfilling our mission of healing for the Santa Cruz County community.

Commitment to Caring

Eight Decades of Health Care Leadership

When the Adrian Dominican Sisters arrived in 1941, Santa Cruz was still largely a fishing community that also enjoyed a summertime tourist trade. The hospital grew with the community to stay a step ahead of its health care needs. Today, Dominican is sophisticated, creative and diverse, like our community. We have the infrastructure and personnel to provide advanced health care. And, many of Dominican’s past patients have become our partners, pledging donations that have helped turn a great hospital into an even greater one.

Dominican’s history is defined by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Four of these women — only one a nurse — traveled to Santa Cruz from Michigan in 1941. Today, Adrian Dominicans still serve in leadership, clinical, and support roles, and one Sister is a valued member of the hospital and foundation boards.

When it comes to numbers, 80 is significant. Here are a few more significant numbers: 222 beds; 1,556 employees; 530 physicians; 42,936 patients served in the past year through our Emergency Department; 220 newborns cared for in our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the past year; $14 million in charity care annually; and $40 million in broad community benefits annually.

We recognize the following individuals who provided great female leadership to facilitate Dominican Hospital as the health care leader it is today. The history includes oversight at Sisters Hospital (1941-1967), Santa Cruz Hospital (1949-1974), and Dominican Hospital (1967-Present).

Sisters Hospital Administrators

• 1941 - 1947

Sister Ann Patrick Shields, OP

• 1947 - 1959

Sister Anne Herringer, OP

• 1959 - 1964

Sister Marie Brigid McDonald, OP

• 1963 - 1970

Sister Anne Herringer, OP

Dominican Hospital Administrators

• 1947 - 1953

Sister Helen Margaret McGinley, OP

• 1953 - 1959

Sister Georganne Duggan, OP

• 1959 - 1964

Sister Madonna Maier, OP

Dominican Hospital Presidents

• 1967 - 1975

Sister Carolyn Harrison, OP

• 1975 - 1985

Sister Josephine Sullivan,OP

• 1985 - 2006

Sister Julie Hyer, OP

• 2007 - Present

Nanette Mickiewicz, MD