Ms. Kaneshiro became CEO of Saddleback Medical Center in 2025 following her role as Fountain Valley, Calif.-based MemorialCare’s clinical transformation officer. Previously, she was MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center’s vice president of patient care services and CNO, also in Fountain Valley. With career experience spanning over 30 years, she has expanded cardiothoracic surgery, added robotic capabilities and earned quality honors at Saddleback Medical Center. Selected as one of “America’s 250 Best Hospitals” for four consecutive years by Healthgrades, the medical center has also received a 10th “A” hospital safety grade from The Leapfrog Group. The medical center’s Women’s Health Pavilion is the county’s first location dedicated entirely to women’s health. Additional Healthgrades awards include “100 Best” in both gastrointestinal care, ranking top three in California, and gastrointestinal surgery, ranking top five in California. The hospital has also earned “Patient Safety Excellence” and “Critical Care Excellence” awards, 5-star national rankings for colorectal and gall bladder surgeries, hip fracture treatment, respiratory failure and treatment of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, diabetic emergencies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory failure and other medical issues. It is currently listed as “high-performing” in 11 categories by U.S. News & World Report. Consistently honored by The Orange County Register readers as one of Orange County’s best hospitals, it is recognized for heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, joint replacement and women’s health. Ms. Kaneshiro was also named among Orange County Business Journal’s “OC50 Most Prominent Businesswomen” for leadership in healthcare transformation and advancement of patient care
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Becker's Recognition
Shela Kaneshiro, RNhas been named a Becker's honoree on the lists below.
2026 Winner

2026 Winner

Executives
236 Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know
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