Arkansas Children’s is celebrating a major milestone with the announcement of the Bale Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Interventional Radiology, made possible by a $1 million gift from the Bale family. The new chair honors the legacy of Drs. Joanna and Robert Seibert, two pioneering physicians who helped shape pediatric care in the state.
“Our family’s hope is this endowed chair will empower Arkansas Children’s to provide the very best in pediatric care for generations to come,” said Hunter Bale, whose family’s involvement with the hospital spans nearly a century.
John H. Bale Jr., former chair of both the Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Foundation boards, continues a tradition of service that began in 1927 with his grandfather, Hardin Bale. His wife, Sharon, and son, Hunter, have also played key roles on various hospital boards.
The honorees, Dr. Joanna Seibert—Arkansas’ first trained pediatric radiologist—and Dr. Robert Seibert—Arkansas’ first pediatric otolaryngologist—dedicated decades of service to the hospital. Robert also developed the cleft lip and palate program at ACH. The couple’s influence is commemorated through the biennial Joanna and Robert Seibert Award given to exemplary physicians at the hospital.
“The collaboration between these two families reflects a profound commitment to ensuring the region’s children have access to world-class care,” said Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer at Arkansas Children’s.
Endowed chairs like this one are key to recruiting top physicians and expanding medical services. To support Arkansas Children’s, visit archildrens.org/donate.
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