Introducing Jennifer Weiss, M.D., Chief of Staff at Shriners Children's Hawai'i

Jennifer Weiss, M.D., chief of staff at Shriners Children’s Hawai'i, is a highly skilled and accomplished pediatric orthopedic surgeon renowned for her expertise in pediatric sports medicine, sports injury and trauma surgery. She has a remarkable history of treating a variety of routine and rare orthopedic conditions in children.

Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Weiss spent most of her storied career in California before moving to Hawai'i in 2024. Although she may be considered malihini (a newcomer to the Islands), she embodies pono (doing the right thing) with her innate sincerity and embracing local culture on both a personal and professional level.

“I feel like I am a better doctor now,” she said, noting how Shriners Children’s Hawai'i staff tailors care around the family unit. “It’s a palpable feeling knowing how everyone is invested in our keiki (children) and treats them and their families like their own ʻohana (family). Our team has an awareness of things like our patients' aspirations, the things they enjoy, given nicknames and even the names of their pets. The bonds formed here lead to trusting relationships, and that is unique in medicine.”

As a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Weiss reflected on her experiences in the community and at Shriners Children's Hawai'i. “It is such a different vibe here in Hawai'i when it comes to kids' athletics,” she said. “There is a true attachment and love for sports and the outdoors here, unlike the aggressiveness found in parts of the mainland. There are times when surgery is not the right treatment, and it inspires me that I can count on our team to take the best care of kids even when they don't have surgery. We know that the mind and body approach gives better outcomes.”

Despite her many achievements, perhaps the most notable is her humility. “I am beyond thrilled to join the Shriners Children's Hawai'i team and serving keiki and their families,” she said. “I am humbled by the greatness that has come before me and hope to stand on the shoulders of giants to continue the mission of our organization.”

A graduate of Williams College, Dr. Weiss went to medical school at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and completed her orthopedic training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Her pediatric orthopedic fellowship was with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles / University of Southern California, where she stayed for seven years as director of the Pediatric Sports Medicine Program. In addition to an exhaustive list of national and international clinical presentations, journal publications, research contributions, academic appointments and accolades, Dr. Weiss holds professional and/or board memberships in the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and is Vice President of the Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Society.

The daughter of an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Weiss acknowledges that besides being a mother of three and helping children thrive, her greatest passion is mentoring students, residents, fellows and faculty in universities and medical centers across the country. She is an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in medicine, and is a steadfast proponent of women in medicine, inspiring them to practice surgery, a field long dominated by men.