Shelley O’Connor

Eleven years ago my daughter Callie was delivered via emergency cesarean section. During my pregnancy I was afforded the luxury of unparalleled prenatal care and I was under the supervision of an extremely competent doctor; however, due to unforeseen circumstances my delivery was obstructed. Both my life and the life of my unborn child were in danger.

It never escapes me that had I been living in a small, rural village in a country such as Uganda that Callie would have most likely died in utero, and had I survived I would desperately be seeking the very services that Medicine for Humanity provides.

On many levels, I believe my role as Executive Director for Medicine for Humanity is my true calling. I am thrilled to bring my passion for people, my management skills, and my international experience to this position. I echo founder Dr. Leo Lagasse’s thoughts that “to improve women’s health creates healthier families, communities and countries.” As a woman and as a mother, I am honored to be part of the Lagasses’ legacy.