In recent years, the healthcare industry has seen remarkable transformations, especially in the field of pediatric care. These changes come not only from technological advancements but also from the women who are at the leading spot of healthcare innovation. Women in healthcare leadership positions play a critical role in shaping how medical services will be provided to children around the world during the upcoming period. Dr. Susana Rives leads this field of pediatric hematology today, as she continues to inspire both medical practitioners of today and students of healthcare tomorrow.
As a prominent pediatric hematologist, Dr. Rives brings a lifetime of experience to treating children who have hematologic diseases, including leukemia. Her dedication to patient healthcare along with scientific investigation has established her as a prominent voice in pediatric medicine because of her innovative approach. Having spent more than two decades at Spain’s premier pediatric institution, SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, Dr. Rives has been an integral part of the team, driving significant advancements in pediatric cancer care. Her exceptional leadership abilities combined with her dedication to enhancing patient results establish her as a distinguished figure within the healthcare field.
As we move into 2025, Dr. Rives continues to bridge exciting clinical innovation while leading the growth of female leadership within healthcare. Her dual role as a researcher and clinician has allowed her to innovate pediatric hematology while simultaneously establishing person-centered care that focuses on both child and family wellness.
Let’s learn from Dr. Rives’ expertise and leadership as she advances pediatric cancer research and patient care!
A Passion for Pediatric Hematology
Dr. Rives’ path to pediatric hematology was guided by both a sense of purpose and an insatiable curiosity about how diseases, particularly cancers, develop and can be treated. “I graduated in medicine in 1994 and later did my residency in hematology. In 2000, I started working at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, where I currently practice pediatric hematology,” she recalls. Her passion for hematology stemmed from the opportunity to work with patients suffering from severe conditions like leukemia. “What inspired me to specialize in hematology was the opportunity to work with patients with severe diseases, such as leukemia. Hematology has always been closely linked with biology and genetics, which are essential in understanding and targeting diseases.”
Dr. Rives found herself drawn to the complexities of cancer, particularly the way genetic abnormalities can alter the course of disease. “Leukemia, for example, was among the first cancers where genetic abnormalities, such as the Philadelphia chromosome, were discovered. Additionally, I have a passion for research, and this specialty allows me to engage in both clinical practice and scientific advancements.” For Dr. Rives, the chance to be part of this evolving field was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
Her decision to move into pediatric hematology was equally influenced by her love for working with children and families. “Moving into pediatric hematology also appealed to me because of the close interactions with children and their families, making the work deeply rewarding,” she says. For Dr. Rives, the emotional connection she forms with her patients is one of the driving forces behind her ongoing dedication to her work.
The Mission and Vision
Dr. Rives’ journey has been intertwined with the mission and vision of SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, a leading pediatric healthcare institution in Spain. With a unique focus on pediatric care, SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital has long been a champion of patient-centered care, something that deeply resonates with Dr. Rives. “I have been at SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital for 25 years. This institution is deeply patient-centered, ensuring that care extends beyond treating diseases to also addressing the social and psychological aspects of a patient’s journey,” she explains. The hospital’s holistic approach to care ensures that even when a cure is not possible, the team is dedicated to improving the quality of life for every child.
What makes SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital particularly remarkable, according to Dr. Rives, is its focus on collaboration and innovation. “The hospital follows a highly interdisciplinary approach, involving physicians, nurses, psychologists, and physical therapists. We work together, ensuring that every child receives the most comprehensive care possible.” Moreover, SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital is one of only two children’s hospitals in Spain, a unique distinction that allows it to remain solely focused on pediatric care, unlike many hospitals that serve both adults and children.
Dr. Rives notes that the hospital’s commitment to innovation is one of its defining characteristics. “SJD is one of only two children’s hospitals in Spain, which makes it a unique institution. Unlike hospitals that serve both adults and children, SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital is solely dedicated to pediatric care.” The hospital’s culture encourages new ideas, and when the institution launched the CAR T-cell therapy program, the administration was quick to offer support, which helped the initiative thrive. “For example, when we started the CAR T-cell therapy program, the administration fully backed us, allowing the project to flourish.”
Pioneering the Future of Pediatric Cancer Treatment
One of the areas where SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital has excelled is in the field of cancer treatment, specifically in pediatric hematology. Dr. Rives has played a pivotal role in advancing treatment options for children with hematologic cancers. “We are witnessing a revolution in cancer treatment. Traditionally, cancer was treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. However, in recent decades, immunotherapy has emerged as a game-changer. One of the biggest breakthroughs has been CAR T-cell therapy,” she says.
CAR T-cell therapy, a revolutionary treatment that harnesses the power of the patient’s own immune cells to target and fight cancer, has been a focal point of Dr. Rives’ career. Her hospital was involved in the pioneering clinical trials for CAR T-cell therapy, and the results have been nothing short of groundbreaking. “SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital was fortunate to be part of the first CAR T-cell clinical trial in Spain, known as the ELIANA trial, which led to the approval of the first CAR T-cell product, Kymriah, by Novartis,” she reflects. This trial was significant not only for the hospital but also for the global medical community, as it marked the approval of one of the most advanced cancer treatments in the world.
The success of the ELIANA trial placed SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital at the forefront of CAR T-cell research in Europe, with the institution treating the highest number of patients during the trial. “We treated the most patients in Europe during this trial, and we even underwent an FDA inspection, which contributed to the final approval.” However, Dr. Rives and her team did not stop there. They have continued to lead the charge in academic CAR T-cell therapy programs, collaborating with the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona to develop non-industry-specific CAR T-cell therapies. “We have also been pioneering an academic CAR T-cell therapy program in collaboration with the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona. This initiative aims to obtain approval for a non-industry-developed CAR T-cell therapy, which would be a significant milestone in making such treatments more accessible.”
Overcoming Barriers to Research and Innovation
Despite the remarkable strides being made in pediatric hematology, Dr. Rives acknowledges that there are still significant barriers to overcome in both research and treatment. “Entering this field requires significant expertise, regulatory knowledge, and funding. Regulatory processes are complex, and navigating them requires dedicated personnel.” She highlights that academic institutions, like SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, often face challenges due to limited resources. “Unlike pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions often have fewer resources and must rely on existing staff to handle both clinical work and research.”
However, Dr. Rives is optimistic about overcoming these barriers. “Despite these challenges, institutions committed to research and innovation can succeed, provided they have the right expertise and support.” Her work in overcoming these obstacles has been instrumental in advancing the hospital’s research initiatives and ensuring that vital treatments reach the children who need them most.
Leading as a Woman in Healthcare
As a woman in healthcare leadership, Dr. Rives has navigated the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career. While she has not faced significant barriers due to her gender, she acknowledges that leadership roles in healthcare are still predominantly occupied by men. “Fortunately, I have not faced significant challenges in my career specifically because I am a woman. However, it is true that leadership roles in healthcare are still dominated by men. Even in my own institution, while there are many female doctors, senior leadership positions are often occupied by men.”
One of the personal challenges Dr. Rives encountered was managing her responsibilities as a mother while continuing to grow professionally. “Balancing family life with a demanding career can be a challenge. As a mother, there were years when I had less time to dedicate to research. However, with perseverance, it is possible to return to scientific work. In my case, I have shared responsibilities with my husband, which has helped me maintain my professional growth.” This balancing act is one that many women in healthcare face, and Dr. Rives’ ability to navigate it speaks to her resilience and dedication.
The Future of Women in Healthcare Leadership
Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Rives sees a bright future for women in healthcare leadership. “Progress is being made, and we are seeing more women taking on leadership roles. This varies by country, but overall, the younger generation of women is more aware of their capabilities and opportunities. In the future, I hope we reach a point where highlighting women leaders is no longer necessary because it will be a norm rather than an exception.”
For young women aspiring to lead in the healthcare industry, Dr. Rives has this piece of advice: “My advice is to choose a career that genuinely excites you. Passion and motivation are the strongest driving forces behind success. Believe in yourself and do not let gender-based concerns hold you back. Hard work and dedication are essential. If you truly want something, pursue it wholeheartedly, and do not be afraid to put in the effort required to achieve your goals.”
In a world where healthcare leadership is undergoing significant changes, Dr. Rives’ story stands as a source of inspiration, proving that with dedication, innovation, and compassion, great things are possible.
