Tribute to Sister Julie Hyer, OP

Sister Julie Hyer, OP June 23, 1948 – July 27, 2022

With Gratitude and Appreciation

Sister Julie Hyer, OP, led the hospital for 22 years with great foresight and purpose while always viewing the work of all involved in the hospital as a ministry. As the tenth and final Adrian Dominican Sister to lead Dominican Hospital, Sister Julie was President of Dominican Hospital from 1985 to 2007. The hospital flourished under her skilled leadership in countless ways, including expanding numerous medical services that brought the medical center to new heights of excellence.

During Sister Julie’s tenure and oversight, Dominican opened the level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), opened its first cardiac catheterization laboratory in 1988, welcomed the openheart surgery program in 1990, and brought the first MRI to the community. Sister Julie oversaw the purchase and transformation of the Dominican Rehabilitation Services and developed innovative programs there, including the Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) and pediatric outpatient clinic.

She also spearheaded the building of Dominican Oaks and expanded the hospital’s emergency department to its current location. Over the years, Sister Julie also guided Dominican Hospital in joining Catholic Healthcare West, the predecessor to Dignity Health and now CommonSpirit Health.

Following her retirement from Dominican Hospital 15 years ago, Sister Julie Hyer, OP, remained active on various boards and committees with the Diocese of Monterey. Following her years of service at Dominican Hospital, she served on the Dignity Health Board of Directors and several Dignity Health system committees and was a leader of Salud Para La Gente in Watsonville.

A TRIBUTE

Sister Julie Hyer, OP,

directed significant growth and development in vital patient care services at the hospital for two decades. Dominican’s imaging services will be named in Sister Julie’s honor to memorialize her distinguished service. The hospital’s comprehensive imaging services encompass breast imaging, ultrasounds, MRI (magnetic resource imaging), PET (positron emission tomography), x-ray and fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology. And, soon, outstanding leading-edge CT scanners, learn more on pg. 8.