Dr. Richard Chinnock receives 2024 Shirley N. Pettis Award at annual Foundation Gala.

Richard Chinnock, MD, chief medical officer for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, was honored with the 2024 Shirley N. Pettis Award at the 31^st annual Foundation Gala on April 4.

Chinnock, a devoted pediatrician, exemplifies a familial legacy in pediatric care. With more than three decades of service to Children’s Hospital.

Chinnock’s passion for the mission of Loma Linda University Health stems from his upbringing as the son of a pediatrician who also faithfully served LLU Children’s Hospital for decades. Now a father to a pediatrician himself, Chinnock has been part of more than 60 years of pediatric history in Loma Linda and is grateful for the part his family has played in its formation.

The recipient of a U.S. Navy scholarship, Chinnock earned his MD from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1982. After medical school, he served as a battalion surgeon at Camp Pendleton and later completed a pediatric residency at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego.

Retiring from the Navy as a Navy Captain, Chinnock joined the pediatric heart transplant team in 1989 and worked alongside Dr. Leonard Bailey. He has since held various pivotal roles, including pediatric residency director, medical director of the pediatric heart transplant team, and professor and chair of pediatrics. He was the first president of the medical staff and helped develop the bylaws for Children’s Hospital. 

A lifelong learner, Chinnock recognized the importance of administrative and policy skills in healthcare leadership and went on to earn a master’s degree in healthcare management from Harvard School of Public Health in 2013.

For his lifelong dedication and distinguished service provided to children and staff at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, it is an honor to recognize Richard Chinnock, MD, with the 2024 Shirley N. Pettis Award.