July 7, 2026
Meet the members of our Board and staff, and get to know the people behind our mission! These blog and social media posts give you an inside look at the incredible individuals who guide our mission and shape the work we do. Next up we have Jennifer McCall, DO, FAAP, Newborn Hospitalist at Adventist Health Family Birth Place. She is currently the Vice President of the OPS Board and an active member of our Advocacy Committee. We asked Dr. McCall to share more about what drives her passion for pediatrics, connection to OPS, and a few things you might not know about her. Read on to get to learn more about Dr. McCall.
Question: If you played professional baseball, what would be your walk-out song?
Answer: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Question: What do you love about being a part of OPS?
Answer: Being part of OPS gives me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of children across Oregon.
Question: What book are you reading right now?
Answer: The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Question: If you weren’t doing your current profession, what would you do?
Answer: Prior to medical school, I worked for Physicians for Human Rights, an experience that has stayed with me. Given my passion for human rights and organizational work, I could see myself as a program coordinator or director for a national or international NGO.
Question: What are your hopes and dreams for OPS in the future?
Answer: My hope is for OPS to be at the forefront of shaping how healthcare is delivered to children across Oregon.
Question: What’s your favorite children’s book?
Answer: It’s hard to narrow it down to just one, but a book that has stayed with me is Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.
Question: What children’s issue are you really passionate about?
Answer: I’m most passionate about preventive medicine and health equity — especially tackling the root causes of childhood poverty and making sure every child in Oregon has a fair shot at a healthy life.
Question: What’s your favorite children’s movie?
Answer: The Princess Bride
Question: What was your favorite subject in school? Why?
Answer: Honestly, all of them! I was a total geek who genuinely loved learning across the board. If I had to pick one though, I’d say social studies, because looking back it makes perfect sense that I was drawn to understanding people, cultures, and how societies are shaped. That love of culture and language followed me into college, where I majored in German and minored in Spanish. It all planted early seeds for the human rights and advocacy work that has been so central to my path.
Question: What are your hobbies?
Answer: I like to keep both my body and mind active. You’ll find me running, cycling, or lifting weights when I need to clear my head, and curled up with a good book, knitting, or sewing when I want to slow down and be creative. I’m also passionate about travel and food, and I think of them as two sides of the same coin. There’s no better way to understand a culture than through its cuisine and its people.
Question: What is your favorite part about your job?
Answer: Without a doubt, it’s the privilege of being present for one of the most profound moments in a family’s life- watching parents meet their newborn for the very first time. There is nothing quite like it. I also love the team aspect of newborn care and knowing that together we’re giving every baby the best possible start.
Question: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Answer: I dreamed of working in the foreign service- traveling the world, learning new languages, and immersing myself in different cultures. Looking back, it’s not so different from the path I took. I just found another way to serve and connect with people.
Question: What was your favorite afterschool snack?
Answer: Sliced apples with peanut butter and cheddar cheese. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and salty, and honestly I still stand by it today.
Thank you, Dr. McCall, for sharing your journey with us. We’re grateful for your leadership on the OPS Board and your commitment to advocating for Oregon’s children. Your commitment to health equity and connection is a great reminder of what makes OPS’s community so strong.
Want to be part of that community? There are plenty of ways to get more involved with OPS — whether that’s joining a committee, attending an upcoming event, or simply connecting with a community of providers who share your values. Contact us.
