Dr. Start serves as City of Hope’s National Medical Center CNO and as vice president of patient care services and regional CNO for the National Medical Center, Orange County and the clinical network. She is tasked with setting strategic direction and ensuring operational excellence for nursing and patient care services. Her responsibilities span inpatient and outpatient practice, patient safety, evidence-based care delivery, nursing leadership development and the advancement of professional governance, mentorship and resilience initiatives aligned with City of Hope’s mission. Since taking on the role in July 2025, she has worked to elevate shared governance and interdisciplinary partnership so nurses have meaningful influence over decisions, practice standards and improvement work. She also champions the integration of clinical research into bedside care to strengthen patient outcomes and innovation readiness. Her leadership is especially pivotal as City of Hope prepares for major growth.
