HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital has appointed Robert Ricca as surgeon-in-chief, effective Sept. 1.
A distinguished pediatric surgeon and leader, Ricca brings more than 20 years of experience in clinical care, academic medicine and military service. He currently serves as chief of pediatric surgery at Golisano Children’s Hospital and as a professor of surgery at Penn State College of Medicine.
Throughout his career, Ricca has held numerous leadership positions, including director of surgical services and pediatric trauma medical director at the U.S. Navy’s largest medical center. He also has served in national leadership roles with the American Pediatric Surgical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics. and American College of Surgeons.
“Dr. Ricca’s experience, leadership and commitment to children and families make him exceptionally well suited for this role,” said Don McKenna, president of Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. “We are confident he will build on our strong tradition of excellence and help shape the future of pediatric surgical care at Penn State Health.”
As surgeon-in-chief, Ricca will provide strategic physician leadership for pediatric surgical services across the Children’s Hospital. Working closely with clinical, operational and academic leaders, he will help advance patient care, quality, education, innovation and program growth. He also will serve on the Children’s Hospital leadership team and hold the Chester Ray Trout Chair in Pediatric Surgery.
Ricca succeeds Thomas Samson, who has served as surgeon-in-chief since 2022. During his tenure, Samson helped to advance pediatric surgical care across the organization and positioned the Children’s Hospital for continued growth and innovation.