Dr. Kelly Schiers knows this better than anyone. She meets patients at their most vulnerable—when every breath is a battle, when families wait anxiously for news, when time is measured not in hours but in moments of crisis. She and her team in the intensive care unit at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital don’t just provide care; they fight for lives, using every ounce of skill, experience and heart to bring patients back from the brink.
Her path to critical care medicine was shaped by a deep belief in evidence-based practice and education. She understands that medicine is more than knowledge—it’s a commitment to continuous learning, questioning and pushing for better. That’s why she dedicates herself not only to her patients but also to those who will care for the next generation of ICU patients. Whether mentoring physician trainees, guiding hospital staff or advocating for new approaches in critical care, she ensures that every lesson learned in the ICU extends far beyond its walls.
But Schiers is more than a physician. She is a leader. More than a decade ago, she helped build Jefferson Health New Jersey’s critical care service from the ground up, shaping it into a program that now serves as a lifeline for patients across the region. And when the world changed in an instant—when the COVID-19 pandemic turned hospital hallways into battlefields—she stood at the helm, leading her team through the storm. There were no road maps, no easy answers, just an unwavering commitment to do what was right, to protect her patients, her team and her community.
Through every impossible moment, she remained steady. Every decision weighed the risks, the outcomes and the human cost. And every day, she showed up, despite the exhaustion, the fear and the ever-growing pressure. Because that’s what leadership looks like—not just guiding from the front but standing shoulder to shoulder with the people who make survival possible.
"Dr. Schiers embodies everything Jefferson stands for," said Jefferson’s chief clinical officer. "She built something extraordinary here—our critical care service—and when the biggest test of our time arrived, she led with courage and clarity. We owe her, and all of our critical care teams, more than words can express."
Schiers hopes no one ever needs the ICU. But when they do—when the worst happens—she’s there. Ready. Fighting. Making sure that, even in their darkest moments, they are never alone.